8 Gaslighting Phrases That May Be Sabotaging Your Relationships

FRENZ HUB LIFESTYLE

When it comes to relationships, trust, and open communication are two of the most important factors for success.

Some people use manipulative tactics to control their partners without their knowledge.

This type of psychological abuse is known as “gaslighting”.

Gas Lighting

A term derived from a 1938 play called Gas Light in which a husband attempts to drive his wife crazy by manipulating her environment and making her doubt herself.

This form of emotional manipulation can take many forms, such as telling lies or withholding information, denying one’s own words or behavior.

To help identify if you are being gaslighted in your relationship, here are 8 gaslighting phrases that may be damaging your relationships.

“You’re being paranoid.”

1.

The phrase “You’re being paranoid” is one of the most insidious forms of gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation.

“You’re overreacting.”

2.

One of the most common phrases used in relationships. It’s a phrase that implies that you shouldn’t feel the way you do & it can be incredibly damaging to your mental health.

“That never happened.”

3.

When said by someone with power or authority over another person, it can have an especially damaging effect on their self-esteem and trust in themselves.

“You are making that up.”

4.

This phrase seeks to undermine the other person’s feelings or experiences and make them doubt their own sanity.

“You have always been crazy.”

5.

This phrase implies that the person’s mental health issues are inherent and unchangeable, leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

“I don’t know what you want me to say.”

6.

One of many phrases perpetrators may use in order to confuse or disorient their victims, making them doubt themselves and their experiences.

“It’s your fault.”

6.

This statement can create an immediate sense of guilt and confusion, it also implies that the perpetrator didn’t do anything to cause it to shift the blame.

“Everyone agrees with me.”

7.

Often used in conversations as a way to shut down opposing viewpoints & quash dissent. It’s an insidious form of gaslighting that can lead to feelings of alienation.

“It was just a joke, can’t you take a joke?”

8.

If someone expresses hurt or anger, it is important to acknowledge their feelings & apologize if necessary instead of dismissing their emotions

Ending Note

Although, it is best to sort this issue out with your partner as they may be doing this out of habit or some form of insecurity rather than taking it in the wrong direction.