How to Deal With Narcissistic Gaslighting
- Narcissism and gaslighting
- Signs of narcissistic gaslighting in a relationship
- How gaslighting can sneak up on you
- How to respond to gaslighting behaviors
You don’t need to be a mental health professional to know when you’ve encountered someone with narcissistic traits. One of the hallmark traits of a narcissist is gaslighting people close to them. Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that can leave victims full of self-doubt and questioning their own perceptions.
Perhaps you have been a victim of gaslighting. How can you protect yourself and preserve your perception of reality in a relationship with someone like this?
Narcissism and gaslighting
We hear a lot about narcissists today. The current definition of a narcissist is “a pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.” And while narcissism is a very real personality disorder that requires a formal diagnosis, one thing is certain. Narcissistic behaviors, whether clinically diagnosed or not, are manipulative and emotionally abusive.
One of the tactics narcissists use to control others is gaslighting. The term comes from a play about a man who gets his wife to question her own sanity by causing the gaslights in their home to flicker.
And that’s the basic modus operandi of the narcissist. By getting others to question themselves, their worth, and their sense of reality, the narcissist gains and maintains control. On a broader scale, narcissists use the same tactics to protect their ego, maintain superiority over others, and keep others from challenging them.
Signs of narcissistic gaslighting in a relationship
Narcissists typically inflict this abusive behavior on those who are closest to them. This makes romantic relationships at high risk of manipulative gaslighting by a narcissistic partner. If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, you may recognize these signs of being gaslit.
You doubt your reality
Your partner denies your memories of an experience. They may deny that it happened at all. You begin to doubt yourself, even if others can corroborate it. Eventually, you start to doubt the overall reliability of your own perceptions and interpretations of events.
Victim blaming and shaming
Your partner refuses to take responsibility for their own actions or words. When cornered, they blame you for their behavior, claiming you caused them to do it.
Lying
They have no problem with outright lies, causing you to mistrust anything they say. When they’re caught in a lie, they often double down on their version of the “truth” and blame others for lying.
Coercion
The end game of the narcissist is to get their way and maintain control. Coercion is frequently how they do that. Their tactics range from feigning caring in one moment to being hostile the next.
Belittling you and trivializing your opinions
Your narcissist partner exerts control by making you feel less. They do this by making you and your opinions and needs seem small and inconsequential.
Gaslighting techniques are a form of abuse. If you recognize any of these signs of gaslighting in your relationship, consider getting help from an outside party. It is very difficult for someone in an abusive relationship to get out without help.
How gaslighting can “sneak up” on you
Gaslighting is an insidious and often covert type of controlling behavior, making it so effective.
Your narcissistic partner can be attentive and charming at first. Their controlling comments begin subtly and may even contain seeds of truth that can make you consider their validity. As you get further into the controlling nature of the relationship, their behavior can become more overt and even physically abusive. Unfortunately, by then, you may already be questioning your own sense of reality.
How to respond to your partner’s gaslighting behaviors
Being in a relationship with a narcissistic partner is exhausting and confusing, and it can even be emotionally and physically dangerous. Breaking free from their control requires focus and restraint on your part.
First, trust yourself
You’re not crazy. You are being maliciously manipulated. You must first trust yourself enough to focus on removing yourself from their control. Keep your guard up so you don’t fall back into their manipulation.
Put distance between you and the gaslighter
You may need to physically and emotionally remove yourself from the situation. Refuse to engage. The more you engage with a gaslighter, the easier it is for their manipulation to continue.
Set firm boundaries
Setting boundaries is critical when dealing with a narcissistic partner. But the most important boundaries are the ones you set with yourself. Recognize their behavior for the manipulation it is, and stop defending yourself to someone who will merely turn it back on you. Stand your ground, and promise yourself you will no longer be intimidated. And finally, get support and help.
Disengaging from a narcissistic partner is difficult. While you may still care deeply for them, you need to recognize their ability to throw you off guard. When you’re in over your head, getting the help of a therapist, a support group, or even couples counseling can ensure you have what you need to stay aware and focused instead of remaining vulnerable to further abuse.
Relationships are complicated. If you’re married to a narcissistic spouse, divorce may be on your horizon. At Hello Divorce, we understand that a bad relationship can affect everything around you. We offer online divorce plans and other related professional services as well as a library of resources to educate you along the way.
Suggested: 7 Signs of a Toxic Marriage
