In the past recent years I've developed my own system of values and social behaviour. Also some ideas I used to had have changed. A you could have read in my "opinion about Gothic", there was a period I liked to shock people with Satanic stuff. Nowadays I do not see the need anymore to use Satan to shock, in fact, to shock is not an option anymore to me. I just am what I am, and do not want to scare people (however, this is a common side-effect being Goth ;-)
In everyday life I try to combine being myself and move around in society. Sometimes you just have to make a concession. For example, showing up in your Gothic outfit while applying for a job is NOT a very good idea. Also when visiting the parents of a friend for the first time I wear only black jeans and a black shirt, leaving the skullpendant and the armor rings at home. I think this has nothing to do with my own integrety, I just see it as something you do for other persons, so they won't be embarassed for me. Luckily, most of the people who I consider friends don't care how I look, they just appreciate me for being just, uhm, me. On school I get along with my classmates and teachers, which is actually kind of strange, because my institute is one with a very high percentage of women (approx. 90%). Now don't brand me a sexist, but it is true that women really look how you "look". (fortunately, not all of course!)
Here are some values and opinions from me
* Stand up (if need so) for older people, pregnant women and / or people with a handicap in trains, busses, subways and so on.
* Do not litter your environment, there are always some garbage bins around, or you just take it along with you. (if you happen to smoke, use an ashtray)
* Do not discriminate on base of gender, age, skincolour, religion, background or whatsoever. No one is more valuable, we all die.
* Use tablemanners! Don't speak with your mouth full, don't start until everyone has, not with your elbows on the table etc.
* Respect your parents => thanks to them you are here.
* It is better to talk than to fight. Even better yet, is to avoid such situations. Okay, not always possible, but also don't go seek trouble.
* For guys: Respect women, hold doors open for them (and of course for other persons), going out with a girl does not mean she want's to have sex, bring her home after going out (no matter how bad the evening was), do not show off with expensive clothes, the newest cellphone or jewellery, farting and burping is NOT considered very charming, be able to speak about things other than sport or fast cars, a drunk is never a very pleasant company.
* For girls: Respect men, if he takes you out, you can also pay, not all guys want to have sex at the first date, so don't be scared (but having preservatives is a good idea), don't talk about yourself like you hate your body, in fact when a girl keeps complaining about her small breasts, or fat thighs really bothers me, especially when nothing is wrong with her (indeed, I appreciate women how they are, implantates and liposuction doesn't mean anything to me, you are what you are!)
* Sometimes you just have to make concessions, usually about clothing, so f*ck*ng what, you still are the same person.
* Religion: Respect the religion of others. Believing in something does not mean that someone who does not share the same point of view is stupid, a sinner or someone who is not worthy.
* Friends are very important! Be carefull with them, there is almost nothing worse than to lose a friend.
* Respect law and order. However this is sometimes very difficult, know that they were made to build a society.
* Live your life, but try to bear in mind that there are other people.
* Never ever force someone to do something he or she does not want to. (this includes any sexual act such as pedofile, rape and use drugs to achieve your goal)
-={V}=-