Five signs your partner is gaslighting you

By Rumi Samuel Published on September 03, 2023

Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic individuals use to gain power and control over their partners. It involves distorting reality, manipulating emotions, and undermining one's self-worth. Gaslighting can be subtle and difficult to recognize, but understanding the signs is crucial to maintaining a healthy and balanced relationship. In this article, we will discuss five key signs that your partner may be gaslighting you.

Constant denial and invalidation of your feelings

Gaslighters often deny their actions and refuse to take responsibility for their behaviour. They dismiss or trivialize your emotions, making you question your perceptions and experiences. If you find yourself repeatedly being told that your feelings are unwarranted, exaggerated, or even made up, it could be a sign of gaslighting. This constant invalidation can leave you confused, isolated, and doubting your reality.

Manipulating and twisting the truth

Gaslighters excel at manipulating facts and distorting the truth. They twist events to make themselves look innocent or blame you. They may selectively remember conversations or conveniently forget promises they made. This intentional manipulation of information can leave you feeling disoriented, unsure of what really happened, and increasingly dependent on your partner's version of events.

Undermining your confidence and self-esteem

Gaslighters often attack your self-esteem and confidence to gain control. They might comment negatively about your appearance, intelligence, or abilities, gradually eroding your self-worth. They may also isolate you from friends and family, making you solely reliant on their support and opinions. By diminishing your confidence, gaslighters maintain power and control over you, making it harder for you to question their manipulative behaviour.

Creating a sense of dependence

Gaslighters thrive on creating dependency within the relationship. They may assert that you cannot function correctly without them, making you feel incapable of making decisions or solving problems on your own. By fostering this reliance, gaslighters ensure that you become more susceptible to their manipulation and less likely to challenge their behaviour. This power dynamic keeps you emotionally trapped and reliant on their validation and approval.

Shifting the blame and playing the victim

Gaslighters often position themselves as victims, deflecting blame onto you for their actions. They may play the victim card, making you feel guilty or responsible for their negative behaviour. Gaslighters are masters at avoiding accountability and using emotional manipulation to make you believe you are the problem. This tactic further weakens your self-confidence and intensifies the cycle of gaslighting.

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that can severely affect your mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Remember, you deserve respect, validation, and a relationship built on trust and equality.

Rumi Samuel

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