On gaslighting

To be gaslighted is to be forced to doubt one's own sense of reality. Memory, perception, and even sanity may be questioned. The techniques of a gaslighter may grow more difficult to detect and deadly for the gaslighted. Manipulation that involves making someone else (or a group of individuals) doubt their own reality, memory, or perceptions. Experts believe it's always a serious issue. The phrase "gaslighting" derives from the 1938 play "Gas Light," which became the 1944 film "Gaslight." According to the play's author, the husband deceives his wife into believing she is mentally ill so he may steal her fortune. But not all real-life incidents are awful. It may appear that the errors are minor at first. Small things that cause you to doubt your own judgment or reality might snowball into something much greater. As a consequence, you may not be able to think clearly, focus on what you're doing, make sound judgments, or feel good about yourself. Gaslighting has been accused of people in intimate relationships (like an abusive spouse or parent), the workplace (like a manipulative boss or coworker who takes advantage of a subordinate), and even in the public spotlight. It's crucial to recognize the signs that you (or someone you know) may be a victim. This is the first step out of an abusive relationship. There are many instances of gaslighting, although it isn't necessarily malevolent or intended to be that way. As a result of this fear of losing the connection or being perceived as less than who you want to be, the target of gaslighting is hesitant to change or move out of the gaslighting dynamic. Gaslighting can occur even when the perpetrator has no malice and is unaware of their actions. Your upbringing may have shaped your perspective. You may have grown up with parents who were adamant about their beliefs, which may have shaped their (and your) worldview. This may have made you believe everyone who disagrees is insane. You may be unhappy because you believe your boyfriend is always online flirting. The women are flirting with him, and he is simply being nice. But you can't even think that you could be mistaken about the circumstance. If you can't identify the "fault" in his manner of doing things, he believes there must be something wrong with him.

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