Gaslighting is used by delusional psychopaths who want nothing more than to make someone they know question their own sanity. It’s absolutely atrocious and I haven’t seen anyone talk about this, so here I am. If you are oblivious to what gaslighting even entails, I’ll quickly show you the definition.
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Gaslighting
Manipulate (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity.
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“Psychologists use the term “gaslighting” to refer to a specific type of manipulation where the manipulator is trying to get someone else (or a group of people) to question their own reality, memory or perceptions.” Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-gaslighting-how-do-you-know-if-it-s-happening-ncna890866
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An example of gaslighting could be your significant other potentially feeding you lies about your friends. This could cause you to question the value of your friendships, which is exactly what your significant other wants. They will manipulate you into questioning your own beliefs, your relationships with others, how you do things, etc. Even when faced with proof of their lies they will still carry on as if everything they have said is strictly factual. They will show no mercy and do not care about you. They may say they do, but do you actually believe that?
People who participate in the act of gaslighting do not give one single fuck about you, you must acknowledge that. It might be hard to let go of someone you truly care about but it’s for the best. It’s either you talk to this person (or group of people) and suffer or you cut ties and go about your life. Which choice do you really want to make?
Gaslighting Signs
no longer feeling like the person you used to be
being more anxious and less confident than you used to be
often wondering if you’re being too sensitivefeeling like everything you do is wrong
always thinking it’s your fault when things go wrong
apologizing often
having a sense that something’s wrong, but being unable to identify what it is
often questioning whether your response to your partner is appropriate (e.g., wondering if you were too unreasonable or not loving enough)
making excuses for your partner’s behavior
avoiding giving information to friends or family members to avoid confrontation about your partner
feeling isolated from friends and family
finding it increasingly hard to make decisions
feeling hopeless and taking little or no pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
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Stop putting others in front of you and think about yourself, do you honestly want to dig yourself a grave letting people mess with your mind? When you see the signs, do something. When people lie to you consistently, toy with your emotions, act like you’re the problem, etc what will you do?
Gaslighting is a serious issue and it can happen to anyone. This is exactly why you have to choose your friends wisely, not all of them will be an actual friend but instead an enemy. This could even be acted out by your fellow family members or your significant other. Trust your instincts, you know when something is off.
Here are some links to get more information:
[Hotline|https://www.thehotline.org/resources/a-deeper-look-into-gaslighting/]
[Psychology|https://positivepsychology.com/gaslighting-emotional-abuse/]
[Collection of links|http://www.nomoregaslighting.com/resources-and-links.html]
[Strong hearts|https://www.strongheartshelpline.org/gaslighting-101/]
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