Teen Gothic

I started going to dark dance nights in my city few months ago. Whenever people of all genders come up to me or I go up to someone to say hi, they typically want to shake my hand or hug. A couple people have gently held onto my hand after shaking it, and it seems normal for people to hold hands or hold onto each other’s shoulders or waists while talking. I’ve even received kisses on the cheek and seen others do it to each other, and it just seems totally normal here. People are very free with complimenting each other on makeup, outfits, etc, and I’ve never received so many compliments in my life.

Some people ask permission before doing any of this, some don’t, but it doesn’t seem to be done with ill intent either way. Outside these club settings, I wouldn’t let anyone get so friendly, but everyone here just seems so chill and happy, I don’t mind it and know I can speak up if I do.

I’m just wondering if this is normal everywhere? I remember someone a long time ago who claimed to be a regular at these things talking about how people at goth clubs weren’t friendly and to just keep to myself lest I give the impression I’m looking to hook up, but I’ve had the opposite experience so far. People even share difficult things they’re going through to strangers, and we all hug and try to reassure each other that things will be okay. There’s also a wonderful overlap between the goths and board gamers in my area, but the goths are more likely to exchange contact info and show up to hangouts than other people I’ve met at game events.