What does gaslighting sound like? 5 things to know about this toxic behavioural pattern

From trivialising to withholding, here are a few ways in which gaslighting happens in a relationship.

Published on: May 27, 2024 6:00 AM IST

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Gaslighting is a manipulative technique used in toxic relationships where one partner tries to twist the perspective of reality of the other partner, making them believe that they are wrong. "Some people engage in gaslighting un-intentionally because they've developed the behaviors as a coping mechanism, especially if that's what was modeled to them as children," wrote Therapist Sadaf Siddiqi. Here are five ways in which gaslighting happens. (Unsplash)

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Trivialising: Often one partner may start to trivialise the emotions faced by the other partner, making them believe that what they feel is not right. 

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Denial: Making false accusations and explanations to the partner to manipulate their understanding of a situation.  (Shutterstock)

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Diverting: In this technique, one partner may distract the other partner in order to get away from a situation where they are wrong and may need to take accountability of their actions.  (Shutterstock)

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Countering: In this process, a partner constantly counters and interrupts the other person to negate their sense of reality.  (Pexels)

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Withholding: This is the process of holding information instead of clarifying it with the other person – this also involves not responding or engaging in difficult conversation.  (Freepik )