How Gaslighting Affects More Than Just Romantic Partners
Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation that can happen in all types of relationships, not just romantic ones. It’s when someone twists the truth or makes you question your own reality.
We usually hear about it in the context of dating or marriage, gaslighting can occur with friends, family, coworkers, and even in everyday interactions.
How to spot gaslighting and what can you do to protect yourself?
Gaslighting in any relationship can leave you feeling confused, isolated more like you’re losing your mind. You might find yourself doubting your own thoughts or memories because the other person makes you feel like you’re overreacting or imagining things.
It happens in friendship when someone downplays your feelings, in a family relationship when your concerns are dismissed, or at work when your contributions are ignored. No matter the setting, the impact is the same it makes you second-guess your own reality and really sick!
In everyday relationships, gaslighting often happens in subtle ways sometimes a friend might tell you that something never happened, even though you clearly remember it happened.
Other times a family member might accuse you of being too sensitive when you express your feelings. In the workplace, a colleague might take credit for your ideas while making you feel like you’re not doing enough.
These behaviors can be hard to spot, especially when the person gaslighting you is someone you trust or care about.
How can you protect yourself from gaslighting?
The first step is to be aware of when it’s happening, trust your instincts, know that your emotions are valid. If someone repeatedly tells you that you’re wrong or dismisses your concerns, take a step back, reflect on the situation, you may find that their behavior doesn’t match your reality.
The next step is to set boundaries. If someone in your life is constantly making you feel small or questioning your truth, it’s okay to distance yourself or speak up. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, not manipulation.
Talk to others you trust about your experiences, they can offer a fresh perspective and help you see things more clearly.
