“You are overreacting, like you always do.” “This is all your fault. I wouldn’t have hurt you if you didn’t make me mad.” “I have no idea what you are talking about. You imagined it.” “Stop crying. You are so overdramatic.” “This is why you don’t have friends. You are crazy.”

Have you heard any of these or even voiced some of these? Each one of these sentences is an example of gaslighting: psychological manipulation that leads to the other person questioning their own reality, memories, and rationality. Almost all of us have used gaslighting at least once, but when it becomes pervasive and persistent, the outcomes can be deeply damaging. Gaslighting can be subtle or explicit, intentional or unintentional, but in any case, it can be incredibly hurtful. You deserve better!

Join us as we unpack gaslighting: what it is, how it becomes a pattern of interaction in relationships, risks of gaslighting continuing, and ways to possibly eliminate it. Gaslighting can affect any relationship, including intimate partnerships, parent-child relationships, and friend/family relationships. It has the power to devastate another person’s sense of self, confidence, self-worth, and mental health. Let us give some guidance to move out of this toxic pattern of interaction. 

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Next Tuesday, we explore jealousy and non-monogamous relationships! Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, neurodivergence, navigating milestones as a couple, and so much more!

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Some resources related to this episode:
1. What is Gaslighting?
2. Types, Causes, and How to Respond to Gaslighting
3. More on Gaslighting