We’ve all heard of gaslighting in relationships, but what is it exactly? Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which the abuser deliberately tries to make their victim question their reality. It’s a way of control and manipulation, and it can be incredibly damaging to the victim’s mental health.
If you think you might be in a gaslighting relationship, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs and what to do about it. Here’s what you need to know about gaslighting in relationships.
What is Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which the abuser deliberately tries to make their victim question their reality. The term comes from the 1938 play Gaslight, in which a husband tries to make his wife think she’s going insane by dimming the lights and then denying that he did it.
Gaslighting can take many different forms, but the goal is always the same: to make the victim doubt their own perceptions and reality. Gaslighters are often very charming and convincing, which makes their victims all the more vulnerable to their manipulation.
Signs You’re Being Gaslighted
If you’re not sure whether you’re being gaslighted, here are some signs to look out for:
– Your partner regularly denies things that you know to be true
– Your partner tries to make you question your memory and perception
– Your partner twists your words and arguments
– Your partner tries to make you feel crazy or paranoid
– Your partner gaslights you in front of other people
– Your partner is always the one who is right, and you are always wrong
– Your partner tries to control your behavior
– Your partner is excessively critical of you
– Your partner makes you feel like you’re not good enough
If you’re being gaslighted, it’s important to reach out for help. Gaslighting can be extremely damaging to your mental health, and it’s important to get out of the situation as soon as possible. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, or seek professional help if you need it.
How to Respond to Gaslighting
If you’re being gaslighted, it’s important to respond in a way that will help you to regain control of the situation. Here are some tips for how to respond to gaslighting:
– Don’t engage: When your partner is gaslighting you, it’s important not to engage in their attempts to control and manipulate you. Don’t get drawn into arguments about what is true and what isn’t.
– Keep a record: If you’re being gaslighted, it can be helpful to keep a record of the things that are happening. This can be a written record or even just a mental list. Keeping track of the gaslighting will help you to see the pattern and to realize that you’re not going crazy.
– Talk to someone: It’s important to talk to someone about what’s going on. Talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who can offer support and help you to see the situation more clearly.
– Set boundaries: If you’re in a gaslighting relationship, it’s important to set boundaries with your partner. Make it clear what you will and won’t tolerate, and stick to those boundaries.
– Get out: If you’re in a gaslighting relationship, the most important thing you can do is to get out. This isn’t always easy, but it’s important to remember that you deserve to be in a healthy, supportive relationship.
If you’re being gaslighted, it’s important to reach out for help. Gaslighting can be extremely damaging to your mental health, and it’s important to get out of the situation as soon as possible. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, or seek professional help if you need it.