Gaslighting!

Gaslighting is such a huge piece of the destruction which the PD brings to those who try to love them. So many come on here and are in such rough shape over all the insanity from the PD, that is takes time to sort out all of the lie's and games from the reality of the situation. The reality is that they intentionally try to keep you down, blame you, and give the impression to you and others that you are nuts, so that they can protect their tangled web or deceit and keep you thinking that the problem lies with you and not with them. Also, as long as they can keep your head in the clouds, it keeps you at bay and away from the real shit which they are up to behind your back. Think about it, if they keep you questioning yourself, then you cease to question them and see what their true motives are, which of course are to keep you away from the truth and allow them to continue to use and abuse you. Classic behavior for a PD. Don't believe it or buy into it for one second, it is all part of their disorder. The truth lie's within you and the truth will set you free. God bless, Goldie

I can relate to the line that mentioned gaslighting can cause muted emotions. I have a problem expressing many emotions. Good article. Thanks Lisa.

My exP was the King of Gaslighting. When I reacted to whatever had occurred, usually with anger through frustration, he would always say, "this is what I can't cope with in our relationship, I don't do confrontation any more". Where could I go from there? He had caused all the initial drama. I generally felt like I had been rammed into a brick wall and was too upset and exhausted to care and so the ST fest would commence. The following is what stood out for me in the article : "You're so sensitive. You're so emotional. You're defensive. You're overreacting. Calm down. Relax. Stop freaking out! You're crazy! I was just joking, don't you have a sense of humor? You're so dramatic. Just get over it already! A remark intended to shut you down like, "Calm down, you're overreacting," after you just addressed someone else's bad behavior, is emotional manipulation, pure and simple. Gaslighting demonstrates a fundamental lack of respect for the person having a reaction." During our final conversation he even said "it's always about you". In that sentence I finally realised that I had had enough of his constant lack of respect for my feelings and needs that I knew I had to walk away to regain my self esteem and sanity. Thank you for sharing - I've finally seen the light without the gas! Dee x