Gaslighting
A manipulation tactic where someone makes you doubt your own perception, memory, and sanity. Named after the 1944 film "Gaslight." Common in narcissistic abuse patterns.
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where the abuser causes the victim to question their own reality. Phrases like "That never happened," "You're too sensitive," "You're imagining things," and "Everyone agrees with me, not you" are classic gaslighting.
Gaslighting works by exploiting normal human self-doubt. Neuroticism (tendency to self-question), Agreeableness (tendency to defer to others), and anxious attachment (fear of abandonment) make someone more susceptible.
Recognizing gaslighting requires trusting your own perception — which is exactly what gaslighting undermines. Journaling (recording events in writing) helps maintain your reality. If you suspect gaslighting, seek external perspective from a therapist or trusted friend.