Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that involves manipulating someone to doubt their own perceptions and reality. When it's combined with narcissism, it can become especially toxic. Narcissistic gaslighting can leave you feeling confused, doubting yourself, and questioning your sanity. Here are five sneaky signs that you may be dealing with narcissistic gaslighting:
- They twist your words and make you feel like you're the one in the wrong. Narcissists will often twist your words and use them against you to make you feel like you're the one who's irrational or wrong. They may accuse you of being overly sensitive, dramatic, or irrational when you try to express your feelings or concerns.
- They deny their own behavior and blame you instead. Narcissists have a hard time taking responsibility for their actions, so they may deny that they did anything wrong and instead place the blame on you. They may say things like, "You're overreacting" or "I didn't mean it that way" when confronted about their behavior.
- They play the victim and make you feel guilty. Narcissists often use guilt as a way to control you. They may play the victim and make you feel like you're the one who's causing problems or hurting them. They may also use your empathy against you, making you feel guilty for not understanding their perspective.
- They isolate you from your support system. Narcissists may try to isolate you from your friends and family as a way to control you. They may say things like, "Your friends don't understand us" or "Your family is toxic." By isolating you from your support system, they can make you more dependent on them and easier to control.
- They use gaslighting to make you doubt your own reality. Narcissists may use gaslighting to make you doubt your own reality and perception of events. They may say things like, "That never happened" or "You're remembering it wrong." By making you doubt your own memory and perception, they can make you more vulnerable to their manipulation.
If you feel like you're experiencing any of these sneaky signs of narcissistic gaslighting, it's important to seek help and support. A therapist or counselor can help you work through the effects of gaslighting and build up your self-confidence and trust in your own perceptions and reality.