Here’s a real-life gaslighting example: Lupe and Sam are a couple whose friendship blossomed into dating.
This made Lupe confused and prompted her to initiate a conversation about their developing relationship.
When Lupe brought up her concerns, Sam became upset.
In the context of a healthy relationship, your partner will listen to your concerns and address them.
Some partners will even deny events that happened.
“This is objectively impossible,” Rosenberg reminds.
She is the Director of Clinical Training atBay Path University, and an associate professor in graduate psychology.
“Gaslighting can make the perpetrator feel more powerful and in control,” Papin and Jackson explain.
Gaslighting can be done either consciously or unconsciously, they add.
Although gaslighting is never justified, there are some people who may not realize they are even doing it.
Rosenberg also drew parallels between gaslighting in relationships and larger social issues.
Papin and Jackson note that gaslighting “can often intersect with misogyny and white supremacy.
These intersections have often excused and encouraged gaslighting behavior to maintain positions of power.
These power dynamics can show up within intimate relationships as well.
If possible, end the conversation.
This may not be easy, but it may be a necessary step toward feeling safe.
Gaslighting is almost never your fault and is often the result of a toxic partner.
