How do I fit in with fans of Symphonic and Gothic Metal?

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Okay, I'm told the people who listen to these genres are not Goths, most are metallers but the average metaller listens to regular metal and not those particular sub-genres. So I was wondering how one meets people who listen to bands like Lacuna Coil, Epica, Within Temptation etc... Also what is the difference between a metaller and a symphonic metaller? Should I dress the part to better connect? I must say I always thought those black leather jackets were cool but I'm not the kind who gets tattoos and piercings all over, I hate that... Please enlighten me!

It's kind of difficult to pinpoint a particular fashion common to those who like symphonic metal because we don't really have one. I am primarily a geek, and so I wear geeky fashions (like Anime or Internet meme T-shirts with jeans) far more often than anything associated with metal. Do people often get the impression that you are not the type of person who listens to metal? I've found that to be my most common problem.

If I had to pinpoint one thing that makes me stand out as not being the "expected" type of person to like metal, it is probably my behavior and not my clothing. I tend to treat concerts the same way, whether they're at the symphony orchestra or a symphonic metal band: I listen to music that I enjoy and I stand and clap enthusiastically when it is over. And that is fine for my concert experience. But everyone else gets very visibly excited during the best songs, and they jump up and down, headbang, and shout words of encouragement to the members of the band (even at seemingly inappropriate times).

Despite this, I have found that a very large minority of people who listen to metal have a low degree of self-esteem, which makes it a lot less intimidating and more natural for me to start a conversation with them.

So you think it's all about attitude?

Dude it seems like you're worrying too much.....if you like that sort of music then just keep listening to it, wear band t-shirts if you want and other than talking to people online I have to admit I find it quite hard to meet people who listen to simular music a lot of times so that can be difficult.

But honestly it's about the music, there is not a specific way you have to dress or a specific attitude.

I like symphonic metal, goth metal, heavy metal, speed metal, power metal, death metal, folk metal, cello metal, and i am the picture of a geek. Don't worry about it, it's just a style(s) of music.

I don't suppose a Blazer and a tie would do it? No? Oh... Well.

I just wear a T-shirt and jeans

I don't own a t-shirt.

I listen to all of that music and to be honest everyone I know who does too is just their own person. I just wear jeans and hoodies, don't act or talk any different.. I'm not gonna go out and wear all black just because of the music I listen to.

Though I have noticed alot of us tend to wear band apparel.. like hoodies/t-shirts representing the band's logo, but honestly that's really about it. Past that it's up to you.

I refer you to my signature.

Dressing up to fit in will make it look like a costume on you. A band shirt is generally the easiest way into the culture, because it doesn't really matter what your other clothes are; it's a billboard telling other metalheads that you're into the genre.

If you're a big death metal fan, you can dress up a bit. Face paint, over the top black clothes. Everyone is there for flames, growling, beer, and mosh pits. Just make sure to only do that for the show, though, not on an everyday trip to the grocery store, and no one will bat an eye.