Gaslighting is the form of manipulation most likely to make you feel like you’re losing your dang mind. Your partner does shady things on a consistent basis, like pretend they didn’t say things, pretend you didn’t say things, leave out information, twist the truth, re-invent the past, make you think your forgot things, and make you feel like you’re losing it in general. When it’s done enough, you’ll feel like you can’t trust your own brain, so you must need your partner to keep you in check.
What to do
Get away. Gaslighting is a serious form of abuse, plain and simple.
8. Convenient neediness
When things don’t go your partner’s way, are they sick or weak or in need of care and support? This is actually a form of manipulation, even if your partner is really sick. Some examples: Your partner doesn’t want to have a serious conversation with you so they feel faint.
Your partner doesn’t want to go somewhere and suddenly you can’t go either because they need you to help them through their anxiety (which is conveniently fine once you agree to stay home).
deep guys
Your partner can’t help you with the housework because they have a headache or don’t have the energy. Your partner doesn’t want you to leave them because who will take care of them? Or maybe they fake illness so you’ll feel sorry for them and give them extra attention.
What to do
This is not a healthy relationship, and it’s one you probably want to think about leaving. But in the moment, you can make a plan for how you partner can be cared for while you go do what you need to do. Odds are, they’ll be fine.
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