Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which one person gains control over another by undermining their sense of reality. It is also known as “mind games”.
If someone is playing on your nerves and making you doubt your sanity and believe things that you feel are half-truths or didn’t happen as they make them out to be, then it is safe to say that they are gaslighting you or trying to, at least.
Gaslighting is a form of abuse and can lead to feelings of guilt, confusion, and self-doubt. It’s important to recognize the signs and know how to deal with someone who might be gaslighting you.
What is gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a term used to describe a form of psychological abuse in which the abuser makes false statements intended to convince the victim that reality is faulty or distorted. It’s a tactic used by narcissists, sociopaths, and other pathological liars.
It can be difficult to deal with because it’s often subtle and manipulative. It can be hard for victims to know what’s real and what isn’t. That’s also because gaslighters are skilled at making their victims doubt their own memories, perceptions, and judgment.
It can also be said to be a form of mental abuse where the abuser manipulates their victim into questioning their own sanity. Gaslighting can happen in a romantic relationship, family dynamic, or even at work.
Signs that someone is trying to gaslight you:
Gaslighting can be difficult to spot because it often happens gradually over time. Here are some common signs that someone might be gaslighting you:
– They tell you what you know for a fact happened has never happened or it happened in a fully different way than you truly saw with your own eyes or experienced.
– They say one thing but do something different.
-They manipulate you into doubting their own memory, perception, and sanity. It’s often used to gain power and control over someone
– They make excuses for their behavior or blame you for their own problems.
– They make you feel confused and scared, and it can also affect the relationship between two people.
– It makes you feel that you’re not in a good enough mental state and makes you want to rely on, depend and be with your manipulator at all times.
How to deal with a gaslighting person?
The best way to deal with gaslighting is by staying calm and not reacting emotionally. This will help you stay on top of your emotions so that you’re able to figure out when something feels off or when you’re being manipulated into thinking something that isn’t true.
When you first notice that they have this type of toxic nature to them, you should not confront them straight away but make sure first that they’re indeed trying to gaslight you. The way to do that is by becoming more focused, alert, and attentive to everything around you when you’re with that person. Eventually, a second incident will happen where they will claim that something happened in a different way or where they try to make you doubt yourself.
Wait patiently and when it does you have to be 100% sure of yourself and capable of standing in their face, looking them in the eye, and telling them that you recall exactly how it happened. Only when you’re fully focused and paying attention to everything, can you turn around and catch them red-handed when they try to make you fault your memory!
If you are feeling like your mental health is being threatened, then here are some things you can do immediately to deal with the situation at hand:
– If they are doing it constantly, ask them to stop immediately.
-Tell them you’re not crazy, you have a sharp memory, and that you remember all accurately.
– If they deny the fact that they’re doing it, try asking them questions about specific details about their lie; to catch them in a contradiction or a lie that can easily and with evidence be proven to be a lie.
– Simply stop trying to convince them that you know what they’re doing, and just ask them questions about what they want from you. This way you can see their motives for acting that way.
Cut all ties:
If you find yourself having someone of this sort in your life, it is better that you shelter yourself from them and think carefully away from them about what to do next.
Consider cutting ties with them if that’s healthier and more fulfilling, but make sure you only do it in a safe way that cannot endanger you or trigger them to harm you more or in a more direct way.
The bottom line:
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse too, in which the abuser manipulates their victim into doubting everything around them in a way that they may become helpless and only reliant or trusting of the abuser and nobody or nothing else.
It may be used to make victims question why they are reacting negatively to what is happening even when what’s happening is toxic and not acceptable. They may also be used to make victims feel like they are losing control over themselves or that something bad will happen because they’re vulnerable, forgetful, and not mentally balanced.
If you suffer from dealing with someone who tries to gaslight you then do not take it lightly or as a joke, even if they laugh when they get caught. Try instead to follow all the tactics listed above and get yourself out of the situation or relationship as soon as possible.