While most people would not think twice about being convinced of something or taking certain treatment from people, it is important to know that there could be an underlying issue. Gaslighting is a manipulation technique often confused with cluster B personality disorders. Gaslighters use manipulation to gain control over others.

The definition of gaslighting is the practice of psychologically manipulating someone into questioning their own sanity, memory, or power of reasoning. Gaslighters, while often thought of as a male partner, could be anyone in your life. Gaslighters use different forms of fear to keep their victim in a state of fear. While manipulation and gaslighting often go together, gaslighting is a more severe form of manipulation over an extended period, making the victim feel as though they are going crazy or insane.

Spotting a gaslighter can be exceedingly difficult if you do not know what you are looking for. Gaslighters often use tactics such as conditional apologies, communicating through others, pit people against each other, use flattery, and feel above social norms. If you feel as though this applies to a person in your life, get away from them.

When cutting out toxicity like this from your life, it is important to set clear and present boundaries if not cut them out as a whole. The next important step is to seek help, weather it is for recovery from this treatment, or to correct it within yourself.

Sources

-Gaslighting   By: Stephanie Moulton Sarkis

-Respondinc.org