The term “gaslighting”-as in, psychological manipulation, not the 19th century profession-has been thrown around a lot over the past decade or so. And while it can be both overused and misused, the awareness of the concept has been helpful for many people who experienced this type of behavior from a partner, colleague, family member or friend, but didn’t have a word for it
How to know if you are being gaslit
When a person is being constantly gaslit, they start to show signs of lowered self-esteem and emotional dependence on the abuser
- During a conflict where someone is gaslighting you, you may experience a range of emotions from confusion and anger to frustration and finding yourself going in argumentative circles
Support yourself
Believe in yourself, even if your gaslighter is trying to distort your truth and make you feel as if you are not as good as you think you are
- Write down how you feel while things are happening to create a record of how you are feeling while they are happening
What to say to someone who is gaslighting you
Entering the conversation knowing your purpose will help you remain centered on a path versus being veered in the different directions a gaslighting person may take you.
- Don’t be afraid to simply end the conversation and leave-that’s an option, too.
