To Understand the 10 signs of gaslighting in a relationship, one must understand what is Gaslighting in relationships, Well Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation of a person into doubting their own understanding, experience, and decisions, as a result, it makes them feel inferior, insulted, and downgraded which many time lead to anxiety and depression and in extreme gaslighting cases even suicidal thoughts. Spotting the early signs of gaslighting is the only way out that can save you from the emotional trauma that you may have to go through if you go deep into a relationship. Let’s be aware of the early 10 signs of gaslighting in a relationship.
Early 10 Signs Of Gaslighting In A Relationship
1. Frequent Lies
Breaching the trust bond by frequently Lying in a relationship is one of the biggest turn-offs in a relationship, and an absolute 10 signs of gaslighting in a relationship Though You are aware of the truth but still, your partner lying to your face is still a sign of gaslighting. They may at times contradict their own statement and confuse others to prove themselves right.
2. Targeting self-esteem
When your partner becomes your strength and stands by you it creates a safe and strong bond in a relationship but when your partner humiliates, blames, and disrespects you and targets your self-esteem then it is an alarming sign of gaslighting and should be countered with dignity before accepting gaslighting from others becomes a habit.
3. Not taking you seriously
You feel unheard, disrespected, and taken for granted Obviously sincerity and seriousness are missing in the relationship, Avoiding or ignoring you is one of the 10 signs of gaslighting in a relationship. If your partner doesn’t take you seriously then you get serious about getting out of the relationship ASAP.
4. Try to find out negatives in every positive
Every problem has a solution but when your partner tries to find out problems in every solution then it signals gaslighting and toxicity in a relationship, This is mainly out of gaining importance in the relationship and wanting to be the dominant one but the relationship is not about who is important it’s about what is important for us as a couple.
5. Insulting in front of others
In a healthy relationship at times, Disagreements happen, Opinions can be different but they sort it out mutually within themselves, but when your partner starts pointing out your faults in front of others and insults you deliberately the relationship becomes toxic, this is one of the worst 10 signs of gaslighting which should be seriously viewed If your partner repeatedly shows this kind of behavior often then it’s better to put an end to the relationship for good.
6. Hiding messages send for you
The relationship survives if you share their joy and success together but if your partner hides messages sent for you or doesn’t want you to respond to a particular message then it can also be among the 10 signs of gaslighting, people do this out of jealousy which pollutes the loving environment of the relationship and is not worth being in.
7. Fake Love bombing
When a person suddenly shows behavioral changes and becomes too sweet for no reason then beware of the artificial sweetness they add to the relationship as it may be to gain the attachment, attention, and affection of the person to gain their trust and dependence which sometimes they use for their gains and evil intentions.
8. Taking decisions on your behalf
Being in love doesn’t mean being captive or being dependent on the mercy of your mate, when people start Interfering in your personal and important decisions and influence you to make the decisions that they feel are right is one of the apparent 10 signs of gaslighting, and should not be ignored.
9. Body shaming
When partners often make fun of their partner’s appearance or styles and body shame them in public or otherwise then it’s one of the obvious signs of the 10 signs of gaslighting in a relationship. Body shaming is the worst form of gaslighting which has its long-term implications and is not easy to deal with.
10. They isolate you from the world
lastly, out of the 10 signs of gaslighting, People sometimes try to isolate you from family, and friends, and try to make you dependent on them, they also try to cut you off from socializing and all forms of communicating with the outside world which makes it easier for them to control your perceptions and beliefs, and continue the vicious cycle.
Conclusion
Gaslighting is a form of emotionally abusive relationship meant to target the victim’s mental health which leads to anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem, and trauma, It’s a red flag that something is wrong in the relationship and needs immediate attention, action, and intentions to move out of the relationship immediately, Gather the courage, communicate with close friends, family, and wellwishers about the situations you are in and reclaim your confidence and self-esteem, consult a counselor if needed and confront and counter all the 10 signs of gaslighting in a relationship.
Q & A
Q1. How do I know if I’m being Gaslit?
If you often feel neglected, unheard, and manipulated in a relationship then it’s a defining sign that you are being gaslit.
Q2, What are things gaslighters say?
1. I deserve better than you.
2. You are overreacting
3. It’s all your fault
4. You need to change.
5. You have changed.
6. You are embracing me.
7. It is your responsibility.
8. If you love me, you would…
9. I never said that
10, You assumed yourself.
Q3. What is the most common form of gaslighting?
Blaming the other to hide self-incompetency is the most common form of gaslighting.
Q4. Can someone gaslight unintentionally?
Yes, Many times gaslighters don’t even realize that they are gaslighting their partner, So it’s important to confront and make them aware of the bad habits which can save relationships.
Q5. What do gaslighters fear?
Gaslighters fear losing power and control in relationships.
Q6. Do gaslighters play the victim?
Yes, gaslighters may at times play the victim in order to manipulate and make their partner guilty so they can do their will.