Good To Know

6 Gaslighting Phrases You May Be Guilty of Using

“Gaslighting” is Merriam-Webster’s 2022 word of the year. Here’s how to be sure it’s never used to describe you.

by Fatherly

Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that makes someone cast doubt on the validity of their thoughts, memories, and reality. Used intentionally, it’s a means of slowly eroding the trust someone has in their feelings or point of view. Used accidentally, it can aggravate and end conversations. Here are six phrases to recognize.

1. “You take things too personally”/ “You’re so sensitive.”

Such statements can diminish and invalidate a partner’s feelings, while also making them question their motivations. These can stem from the realization that you may have pushed the argument too far and want to stop your partner from being upset.

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