5 Shocking Signs of Gaslighting by Narcissists
First of all I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has been following my articles since I started. I see your interactions, I see your comments and I appreciate all the support.
As a therapist working in the area of Narcissistic Abuse and Gaslighting, it is heartbreaking to hear so many stories about Narcissistic Abuse and Gaslighting in both personal and professional space.
But there is hope, and if you can hold onto at least some hope that things will get better — then they will.
After years of dealing with narcissistic behaviour, I eventually said no. No to being taken advantage of. No to being spoken to like I was an idiot. No to feeling like I was worthless. And no to feeling like a victim — as well as many other no light-bulb moments.
Beginning February I will be introducing an #AskAnne column, where I will be answering your relationship questions about narcissists, narcissistic abuse. If it goes well, I’d love to make it an ongoing segment. If you are interested in submitting a question please comment below with the hashtag #askanne. Over the coming days I will provide you with an email you can send your question to.
Here are the 5 most common gaslighting techniques by Narcissists. These 5 can be surefire ways to know if someone in your immediate relationship is gaslighting you.
Keep in mind that gaslighting doesn’t just happen with a romantic relationship, it can also happen in your peer groups, immediate relationships and work environments.
- Denial and Contradiction:
This one comes first because it is my favourite! The Narcissist will deny black and blue events, behaviours or conversations that you clearly remember. This tactic can make you feel ‘crazy’, as though you didn’t remember things correctly.
They will follow that up with statements such as “I didn’t say that!” “That never happened.” “You’re not remembering that correctly, what actually happened was…”, “You never told me about XYZ..”
2. Dismissing:
Narcissists may put down your feelings, opinions, or experiences as being trivial. They might say things like, “You’re too sensitive,” or “Don’t you think you’re overreacting,” to make you question the validity of your emotions. Of course, to them, your emotions and feelings are not important. In that sense they may then move on to show…
3. Lack of Empathy:
The Narcissist will display a lack of empathy and concern for your feelings. Even when it feels as though they care, they will follow that with a way of invalidating your feelings. Sometimes what they may do is move onto ‘solution focused’ mode, because Narcissists love feeling important that they can solve your problems. If you are having an issue they will not empathize, or reaffirm how tough or challenging something is. Sometimes they may even move between lack of empathy and dismissing your feelings.
4. Projection of Blame:
Gaslighters often shift the blame onto you, making you feel responsible for their behavior or for the problems in the relationship. They could even blame you if they hurt themselves, blaming you because you have ‘made them feel that way’ or that ‘you are the problem. They might say something like, “You’re the one causing all the issues.” or “It was your fault that I cheated. If you only XYZ…”
5. Isolation
Narcissists may use the tactic of isolating you from your friends and family, so they will not be an influence in your life. This might start out as a gradual thing, where if you were close with family and friends — soon they will find a way for you not to visit them. This could look like making you cancel an events, to be with them, and then make this a regular occurrence. They will also have a way of making you feel as though friends or family don’t want to see you (such as if they don’t call or text) and insist that they are the only ones that care.
What do you think? What are some other ways that Narcissists use tactics to make you feel like the problem?
Do you have a relationship query or question regarding the Narcissist in your life? I am excited to announce that I will be adding a weekly segment where I will be choosing ONE question to feature in my article where I will answer, just like in those old advice columns! Please comment below with “#ASKANNE” and I will tell you how you can submit your question. (may take up to 2 days response)
