Gaslighting is when someone will make comments or ask you questions that will make you question your own sanity. Gaslighting can be extremely hurtful, especially when it comes from a friend or family member who you trusted by telling your problems to. This is extremely toxic because it can make you feel like your feelings are not justified and that you’re overreacting. Here are some common phrases that people say when gaslighting:
1. You’re overreacting.
2. You’re being too sensitive.
3. You’re too emotional
4. You can’t take a joke/I was just kidding
5. You’re being irrational
6. Do you hear yourself right now?
7. I’m just being honest because I care about you (this might not always be gaslighting but if they’re making you feel down on yourself then it is likely gaslighting)
8. You’re looking too much into this
9. Only you have these problems
10. Stop taking everything so seriously
If you recognize someone saying things like this to you you should reevaluate your relationship with this person. This is a little bit more difficult if this comes from a family member since you cannot choose your family. If someone in your family is gas lighting you, you can try explaining to them that they hurt you but if they continue to make these comments it would be better to find someone else to trust and open up to who won’t judge you. The best thing you can do for yourself is to surround yourself with positive-minded people.
How to know if someone is gaslighting you
