Rogue Magazine Top Stories 15 Signs of Gaslighting in Your Relationship

15 Signs of Gaslighting in Your Relationship



The term “gaslighting” is becoming more well-known, and unfortunately, it’s not for a good reason. Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in romantic relationships that causes one partner to question their sanity or reality. The reason? The other partner is repeatedly manipulating, exerting power, and trying to gain control in order to inflict some type of emotional damage.

Someone might resort to such disturbing behavior if they have low self-esteem, using gaslighting as a twisted way to make themselves feel better. In other cases, research has shown that some people really just enjoy the feeling of control they get from gaslighting another person.

Regardless, it’s imperative to remember: gaslighting is never okay. 

So, are you being gaslighted? Here are 15 toxic signs of gaslighting to look out for: 

1. Constant Lying

Gaslighters are notorious for lying. It’s their way to challenge someone’s perception of events or sense of reality. Gaslighters constantly twist the truth in order to benefit themselves. Every lie, no matter how small, makes you question yourself, and they’ll keep it up regardless of whether you start to catch on. 

2. Denying Even if You Have Proof

If you’re being gaslighted, your partner will deny lying, even if you have proof. They’ll even double down on their “innocence,” making you question whether you’ve gotten things wrong. 

3. You’re Always Making Excuses

Constantly making excuses for your partner to friends and family is exhausting (and usually a sign you’re being gaslighted). Your partner’s disturbing behavior leads to so much conflict that those around you become involved, causing you to defend your partner — even against your better judgement. 

4. They Use What You Like Against You

If you’re being gaslighted, your partner will use things that are important to you as weapons. For example, if you appreciate support in a relationship, they might say something like, “I’m the only one who understands you.” They will also tear down your confidence and self-worth by questioning things you like about yourself. 

5. They Use Your Personal Relationships Against You

Gaslighters want total control over their partners, which means they need to keep everyone else away at all costs. Ultimately, they try to make you feel guilty about your relationships with friends and family. They make up lies about them or accuse them of manipulating you. In turn, this makes you question your other relationships, even turning you against them. 

6. They Tell You You’re Being Crazy

If you’re constantly being told how “crazy” you are, you’re likely being gaslighted. Gaslighters love to make you feel stupid for how you feel (even if it’s warranted). This constant manipulation might cause you to let things go more often, even when you shouldn’t, just to avoid coming off as “overly sensitive.”  

7. Constant Projection

Along with constantly lying themselves, a gaslighter will accuse you of lying. This causes you to defend yourself, which shifts the attention from their behavior to yours, even when you’ve done nothing wrong. 

8. Words and Actions Don’t Match Up

“Actions speak louder than words” has never been more true. A gaslighter may tell you they have your best interests in mind, but their actions say otherwise. Pay close attention to what they say and how they are treating you – they likely don’t match up. 

9. They Tell You How You’re Supposed to Feel

If you’re being gaslighted, the person will dismiss your feelings and tell you how you “should” feel. They’ll say things like, “You should be happy I did that for you,” or “You should appreciate me more.” 

10. You’re Always Apologizing 

You’re probably being gaslighted if you feel like you’re apologizing all the time. You’d rather say sorry to keep the peace than have them attack your character again, which is both unhealthy and personally draining. 

11. You “Walk on Eggshells” Around Them

You’re always walking around on eggshells around your partner, afraid of setting them off. Their behavior is unpredictable, and you’ll do anything to avoid upsetting them. Not only is that incredibly stressful, but it’s also a sign that you’re being gaslighted. They’ve manipulated and worn you down so much that your goal becomes keeping them happy at all costs. 

12. They Add in Positive Reinforcement to Confuse You

They know they can’t act in control 100 percent of the time, so someone who is gaslighting you will throw in some nice behavior from time to time. It could even convince you that their other toxic behavior isn’t so bad. If it’s rare to see the good side of your partner, it’s probably time to rethink the relationship

13. They Align People Against You

Gaslighters will lie about friends and family to make you believe they’ve turned against you. For example, they might say, “My friends couldn’t believe you acted like that.” (Which is likely untrue). The more people they have “on their side,” the more you question your own actions, which is exactly what the gaslighter wants. 

14. You Feel Isolated From Your Former Life

If you’re being gaslighted, you’ll eventually feel isolated from your former life. You feel lonely and devalued. The reason? The gaslighter needs total control — and they can’t have it if you’re influenced by outside relationships. 

15. You Just Don’t Feel Like Yourself Anymore

Constant manipulation can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being. If you’re feeling anxious, defeated, or exhausted, it’s time to end the relationship. Trust your gut and remind yourself that you deserve better.

So, What if You Are Being Gaslighted in Your Relationship?

The first step is to reach out to friends and family for advice. If you think it’s all in your head, they will be quick to help you realize that you’re a victim of gaslighting. While there are times couples try to work through it, it’s not easy. 

Gaslighting is completely unhealthy, and damaging to a relationship. At the end of the day, the best option is to end it. Remember, if you’re being gaslighted, your partner might try to control you, but they’ll never be able to change who you are. Once you’re free from the constant manipulation, you’ll be able to see the relationship for what it was — toxic.

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