Here’s one thing that needs to be addressed straight away: True love does NOT include any form of manipulation.

If your partner is manipulating you in any way (including gaslighting), you need to start questioning if this person is actually in love with you.

Dealing with a partner who gaslights you

Dating a partner who’s tried to gaslight you before is incredibly painful and frustrating.

Think back on any serious topics you’ve ever brought up with your partner. Did they react with love and acceptance as they tried to work through the issues with you?

Or did they try to minimize what you were saying by shifting the blame onto your shoulders?

Recall any time you called your partner out for inappropriate behavior or actions. Did they pretend they never actually did what you accused them of?

Dating someone who’s comfortable gaslighting you is a deep-rooted problem that absolutely cannot be ignored.

Mind Body Green says gaslighting comes in many different forms. Shifting blame, denying the truth, dismissing your needs, alienating you, and isolating you are just a few examples.

Conveniently “forgetting” things they’ve done, invalidating your emotions, withholding information, and accusing you of being paranoid are all part of the deal when it comes to dating a gaslighter.

Being told that you’re overreacting, you’re being delusional, you’re being insecure, you’re imagining things, and you’re too sensitive are common when dealing with a gaslighter.

Being told you’re remembering things incorrectly and being told that whatever’s hurting you isn’t a big deal is common when dealing with a gaslighter as well.

The best thing you can do when dealing with a gaslighter is to hold your ground.

Don’t forget that your feelings are completely valid, no matter how much your partner tries to minimize what you’re going through.

Hold onto the truth no matter how much they try to shift the blame.

Never let them trick you into believing you don’t actually feel the way you feel. You are entitled to your feelings.

Decide whether or not you want to stay in a relationship with someone who so freely and comfortably gaslights you.

Folks who are prone to gaslighting others aren’t naturally open to changing for the better. After all, they typically aren’t emotionally mature enough to OWN UP when they’re wrong.

Is this something you can picture yourself dealing with for the rest of your life?