Hi there.

Have you ever spoken to your mom about you being goth and what it means and why it's important to you? I truly think a lot of the negativity people get for alternative lifestyles (be it goth, hippy, whatever) comes from a lack of understanding. People fear the unknown as a sort of natural thing. Furthermore, if people don't understand something, they're likely to "educate" themselves from outside sources, such as picking up rumors or stereotypes and applying that to their understanding of it. I think if your had a quality "education" in what the subculture is, it might ease things.

I'd go on a limb and say when your mom was growing up, her parents probably thought her taste in music and dress was strange. Keep in mind, Elvis was considered grossly profane during his time by some. :/

Also, don't compare yourself to others as a basis on where you stand. You're you, not anyone else. Furthermore, I read somewhere that, statistically, models represent 1% of the population (or something along those lines). Society, however, has a really poor habit of making that 1% seem like a solid 85%, thus making it feel like that the "majority" are these women (who seem to love to try to sell you things :/) and are what you're "supposed to be". That simply is not the case. You should be proud to be you. Off that line, if people tell you that you're pretty all the time...why not believe them? As humans, we are much more self conscious of what we think are faults in our appearance (and personality too) than others. If people compliment you often, I would think it's a safe bet that they're right.

I hope I was of some help. Take care, and I wish you my best.