Gaslighting used to be something we mostly talked about in terms of romantic relationships. But in 2025, it is showing up in just about every part of life. Whether it is a partner denying things they clearly said, or politicians trying to convince us that what we saw or heard never happened, gaslighting has become a go-to tool for manipulation.
@coachkencanion Gaslighting: when someone tries to make you doubt your reality, making you feel crazy or insecure. They deny what you’ve seen or heard, making you question yourself. It’s a manipulation tactic that chips away at your confidence. Trust your instincts, and don’t let anyone distort your reality. #GaslightingAwareness #manipulationtactics #mtvunfaithful #tamiroman #relationship #mtv #breakup #gaslighting #RelationshipAdvice #dating
So what exactly is gaslighting? At its core, gaslighting is emotional and psychological abuse that causes someone to doubt their reality. It is when someone tells you that your feelings are wrong, your memory is off, or your reaction is an overreaction—all in order to stay in control.
And it is not just personal anymore. We are watching gaslighting play out on national stages. From political leaders rewriting history to public figures denying their own words even when they are on video, this tactic is being used to confuse, divide, and discredit.
Gaslighting in Relationships
In romantic or family relationships, gaslighting often sounds like
• “You’re too sensitive”
• “That never happened”
• “You’re crazy”
• “You always twist my words”
Over time, these statements chip away at your confidence. You start second-guessing yourself and relying on the gaslighter for what is real and what is not. That imbalance is how control is maintained.
Gaslighting in relationships is not always loud. It can be subtle, but the damage is deep. It leads to anxiety, isolation, and emotional dependency.
Gaslighting in Politics and Media
Now zoom out. We are seeing gaslighting from people in power. When leaders deny facts, question science, or mock your intelligence for believing what you saw with your own eyes, they are using the same playbook.
They are not just trying to win arguments. They are trying to shift the truth and create confusion. That way, they can frame reality to suit their agenda.
It is not new; but with social media, fake news, and nonstop spin, gaslighting has become a political strategy. And the more it is used, the harder it gets to tell what is true.
How to Fight Back
You cannot always stop gaslighting, but you can take away its power. Here is how
1. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is. Gaslighting works by making you doubt yourself. Reclaim your instincts.
2. Keep Receipts
Save texts, emails, or notes about conversations. It is not petty. It is protection. When the truth gets twisted, receipts bring you back to what really happened.
3. Talk to Someone You Trust
Gaslighting isolates you. A trusted friend, therapist, or support group can help you reality-check what you are going through.
4. Set Boundaries
If someone constantly makes you question your reality, it is okay to step back. You are not required to argue with someone who refuses to be honest.
5. Name It
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is call it what it is. Say, “That’s not how I remember it,” or “I feel like you’re trying to make me doubt myself.”
Gaslighting is manipulation, plain and simple. Whether it is coming from a partner, a boss, a parent, or a political figure, the goal is always the same: to control your perception of reality.
The more we learn to spot it, name it, and stand firm in our truth, the less power it has. Truth is not up for debate. And your voice deserves to be heard.
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