This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested reading for those who are looking for even more information.
This article is from a Series
of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to
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TOP TIPS
The
term gaslighting has existed for decades now, but its usage seems to have
spiked in recent years. Gaslighting is when someone makes someone else question
their sanity, perception, or memories. It seems like people finally realize how
serious and manipulative the behavior is. One of the most nefarious aspects of
gaslighting is that it often happens so gradually, the victim doesn't even
notice. That's why you need to watch out for these nine warning signs.
1. Blatant Lying
One
of the clearest warning signs of gaslighting is when someone regularly lies to
you. Not just any lies, though, blatantly untrue lies that are easily
disproved. When people do this to you, their goal is to get you to doubt your
recollections or sense of reality.
2. Focus on Your Insecurities
A
gas-lighter finds it easier to manipulate their victims when they are already
beaten down. If anyone in your life regularly pokes fun or attacks your
insecurities, they may be attempting to lower your confidence, so it's easier
to manipulate you.
3. Denying Things They Said
If
anyone in your life routinely denies saying things you know they said, then
they are likely gaslighting you. Sometimes, people forget what they said, but
it's a warning sign if it happens all the time. It's a huge red stop sign if
the person refuses to acknowledge what they said, even when you have the
receipts (i.e., a screenshot of a text.)
4. Constant Negativity
When
someone is constantly negative, it might just be their attitude or dealing with
something in their life. If that person is continually trying to get you to
feel the same way or urging you to think negatively about every situation, they
may be trying to manipulate you.
5. They Always Flip The Blame
Have
you ever had anyone in your life who flipped the blame every time they did
something wrong? Instead of taking responsibility or offering you an
explanation, they will try and convince you that you are to blame. If you
didn't do X, they wouldn't have done Y.
6. Constantly Correcting Your
Recollections
If
someone in your life is constantly correcting your recollection of events, they
may be trying to gaslight you. By chipping away at your recollections, they are
laying the foundation for you to doubt all of your memories. Once you start
doubting your memories, the gas-lighter gains control.
7. They Call You
"Crazy"
This
is one of the most classic warning signs of gaslighting. You have likely heard
the term described as "someone trying to make you feel crazy" First
off, crazy shouldn't be casually tossed around as an insult, period. Secondly,
a gas-lighter gains so much control if they can get you to doubt your sanity.
8. They Trivialize Your
Feelings
If
someone is attempting (or actively) gaslighting you, they will always
trivialize your feelings. To them, no matter how you feel, you should
"suck it up." Your feelings aren't real, and you should control them.
They will always make sure their feelings take precedence over yours.
9. Want to Keep You Isolated
A
gas-lighter will typically want to keep you isolated. They will do this by
actively trying to turn you against friends or family. They may also make you
feel guilty for not spending all your time with them. It is much easier to
control and manipulate someone if they feel like they have no one else to turn
to.
ACTIONABLE STEPS
a) Take
some time to read through the above warning signs again. Take time to consider
each warning sign closely.
b) On
this second read-through, make a note of anyone that might exhibit that
behavior towards you.
c) If
any person ticked off more than a couple of warning signs, they might be
gaslighting you. Please consider confiding in a close friend to see what they
think.
FURTHER
Affiliate links:
1. The Gaslighting Recovery Workbook
https://amzn.to/39zgjS8
2. Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People
https://amzn.to/3aXFVse
3. Gaslighting: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
https://amzn.to/3b2N62p
hhttps://amzn.to/3MVWC4R
5. Gaslighting: The Narcissist's Favorite Tool of Manipulation
https://amzn.to/3NWvTX3