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Showing posts with the label Gaslighting

How to Deal with a Gaslighter (And Why It’s Like Wrestling an Octopus)

Dealing with a gaslighter is a unique form of psychological gymnastics that has you questioning whether you're on your way to enlightenment or simply losing your grip on reality. It’s like arguing with a mirror that somehow learned how to talk back. Just when you think you’ve reached the bottom of it, the ground shifts. Gaslighters thrive on ambiguity. They’re virtuosos in the art of the “Did I say that? No, you must have misunderstood.” It’s a world where reality is malleable – except, of course, they’re the only ones with the right to shape it. The Power of Doubt as a Tool of Control Gaslighters know that self-doubt is the ultimate handbrake on your perception. So, they sprinkle doubt like it’s fairy dust, a little here, a little there, until you're not even sure what color the sky is anymore. It’s like watching someone paint over the truth in thin layers; you almost don’t notice the color fading. Gaslighting isn’t overt bullying, no, it’s far more delicate. They’

The Gaslighter's Guide to Self-Reflection (Though I Know You Don’t Need It)

Ah, you. The intellectual giant, the unparalleled puppeteer, the master of manipulating reality itself. Let me guess—you’ve constructed an intricate web of denials and half-truths that only a mind as brilliant as yours could maintain. Well, let’s dive into a few minor tweaks you might consider, just for kicks. 1. Reconsider This Wild Idea: Reality Exists Outside Your Control Imagine, if you can, that other people possess their own perception of reality. Not as intricate or finely tuned as yours, obviously, but a version of reality nonetheless. You might even find it refreshing to acknowledge this in some remote, hypothetical way. Now, this doesn’t mean you’re surrendering your right to define everyone else’s perspective on life. Oh no, far from it! But maybe, just maybe, you could entertain the notion that your partner, friends, or even your cat sees the world a tad differently. 2. Ask Yourself, “Is Gaslighting the Most Efficient Use of My Time?” Yes, you’re skilled in emotional pyrote

Surviving Narcissistic Abuse: The Brutal ‘Gift’ That Keeps on Taking

Oh, so you’ve encountered a narcissist, have you? Well, isn’t that a grand adventure. Because nothing says “learning experience” like someone slowly unraveling your sense of self, confidence, and basic trust in humanity, all while asking why you can’t just get it together. 1. The Gaslight Tango: Your New Favorite Dance Move First rule of narcissistic abuse? Reality is optional. Narcissists thrive on twisting facts, inventing stories, and gaslighting you into believing that you’ve somehow made it all up. In fact, if they could charge you rent for living in this alternative reality, they absolutely would. But let’s be fair—who doesn’t love a good mystery, right? Sure, it’s maddening when you can’t tell if you’re “overreacting” or genuinely being deceived, but that’s just the thrill of the Gaslight Tango. A little manipulation here, a little denial there, and presto! You’re the one questioning if you even remember things correctly. 2. You’re So Sensitive! (And Other Lies) Oh, here’s a fun

Gaslighting: A definition

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person or group makes someone question their own reality, memory, or perceptions.   This term comes from the 1938 play “Gas Light” and its subsequent film adaptations, where a husband manipulates his wife into believing she is going insane by dimming the gas lights and denying it when she notices 1 2 . Here are some key points about gaslighting: Manipulation Tactics : Gaslighters often use lies, denial, and contradiction to make the victim doubt their own experiences. They might say things like, “That never happened,” or “You’re imagining things.” Psychological Impact : Victims of gaslighting can experience confusion, anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-esteem. Over time, they may become dependent on the gaslighter for their sense of reality 2 3 . Contexts : Gaslighting can occur in various relationships, including romantic, familial, and professional settings. It is often seen in abusive relationships where one person see