How to Tell if a Friend Is Emo

In the close-knit world of emo youths, there is a lot of talk about who is really emo and who is a poser. Also, there are many people who worry that their friends are becoming too emo. Most of this is based on outward appearance and musical taste, but it can also allude to destructive behavior. Keep the telltale signs in mind when trying to spot someone who is emo.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Spot Someone Who Is Emo

1. Listen to the music your friend likes. The surefire way to tell whether someone is truly emo, and not a product of a style trend, is music. Emo music started with hardcore bands in the 1980s and has mutated into describing angst-filled bands.
2. Expect your emo friend to be moody--she doesn't feel understood.
3. Ask your friend to share his poetry, music or art. Most true emo kids express themselves in some creative way. Not only will you be able to tell the general mental state of your friend through sharing his art, but you may also become closer in the process.
4. Look for hair swept to one side, usually over an eye. Both emo girls and boys tend to wear their hair in asymmetrical layers, straightened in the front and shorter in the back. This varies from person to person, but the emo look is also quite mainstream.
5. Check your male friend's eyelids for makeup. Just like the Goths before them, the new breed of emo boys wears eyeliner and often has prettier hair than the girls.

Look for Emo Behavior That Should Worry You

6. Speak to your friend if she is acting depressed. If at anytime you feel as if your friend may hurt herself, you should encourage her to seek help. True depression needs to be treated, not disguised within an emo look.
7. Tell someone if you notice your friend has been cutting himself--a parent or school counselor. The media often portrays emo kids cutting themselves as part of the style, but in reality, most emo kids do not cut themselves. Cutting is not a true sign of being emo.
8. Look for signs that your friend is doing drugs heavily. Being emo doesn't mean you should start doing drugs. Remember that emo is a genre of music and the style that goes along with it, not a destructive lifestyle.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't give in to stereotyping, as doing so can harm even the strongest of friendships.