5 Warning Signs of Gaslighting in Relationships
Have you ever felt like you were going crazy in your relationship? Like your partner makes you question your own memory, perception, and sanity? If so, you may be a victim of gaslighting.
Gaslighting is an emotional abuse tactic where the abuser manipulates and distorts the victim’s reality, causing them to doubt their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It’s a sneaky and insidious technique that can be hard to detect, but here are 5 warning signs that you are being gaslighted in your relationship.
1. You Are Constantly Apologizing
If you are always saying sorry for things that are not your fault, it may be a sign of gaslighting. Your partner may be convincing you that you are to blame for everything that goes wrong in the relationship, even if you didn’t do anything wrong.
This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy that can be hard to shake off. If you find yourself apologizing for things that are not your fault, it’s time to step back and evaluate the situation.
2. You Feel Confused and Disoriented
Gaslighting can cause you to feel confused, disoriented, and unsure of yourself. Your partner may be telling you one thing, but doing another, or denying events that you know happened.
This can be extremely frustrating and make you feel like your grip on reality is slipping away. If you find yourself constantly questioning your own perceptions and memory, it may be a sign of gaslighting.
3. You Are Isolated from Friends and Family
Gaslighters often try to isolate their victims from friends and family. They may convince you that your loved ones are not good for you, or that they are trying to come between you and your partner.
This can be a dangerous tactic, as it leaves you vulnerable and dependent on your abuser. If you find yourself becoming increasingly isolated from your support system, it’s time to reach out and seek help.
4. You Feel Like You’re Walking on Eggshells
Gaslighting victims often feel like they’re walking on eggshells around their abuser. They may be afraid to express their true feelings, or they may try to anticipate their partner’s moods and adapt their behavior accordingly.
This can be exhausting and make you feel like you’re constantly on edge. If you find yourself censoring your thoughts and feelings to avoid upsetting your partner, it’s time to reconsider the relationship.
5. You Don’t Trust Your Own Judgement
Ultimately, gaslighting is about power and control. The abuser wants to control the victim’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, and make them dependent on their approval.
If you find yourself doubting your own judgement and second-guessing your decisions, it may be a sign that you are being gaslighted. It’s important to trust your own instincts and seek help if you feel like you’re in danger.
In conclusion, gaslighting is a serious form of emotional abuse that can have lasting effects on your mental health and well-being. If you recognize any of these warning signs in your relationship, it’s important to take action and seek help. Don’t let anyone else control your reality – trust your own judgement and seek support from trusted friends, family, or a professional.
