Gaslighting is defined as the tactic of one person repeatedly questioning and manipulating the truth about another person. The person who gaslights tries to confuse the target person and cause them to question their own reality. This is a form of emotional abuse.   How Does Gaslighting Work? Gaslighting can occur in the following ways: Lying: The person doing the gaslighting may tell lies to hide or change the truth. Creating Doubt: In order to cause the target person to question their own mind, the gaslighter constantly creates doubt. Falsification of Facts: The gaslighter may falsify events that the target person remembers and distort facts. Emotional Manipulation: Emotional manipulation of the target person is an important component of gaslighting.   What are the effects of gaslighting? Gaslighting can negatively impact the target person’s self-esteem, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. The target person may begin to question their own reality, making them vulnerable to emotional abuse.   Avoiding Gaslighting: 1. Trust Your Own Facts: If someone is constantly trying to question you about the truth, trust your own facts. You can keep an objective record of events by taking daily notes. 2. Develop Emotional Awareness: Try to develop emotional awareness by recognizing your own emotional state and reactions. You can recognize emotional manipulation more easily. 3. Get Support: Tell people you trust, such as family members, friends or a therapist, and ask for support. Other people’s perspectives and experiences can help you. 4. Review the Relationship: If gaslighting is occurring in a relationship, it is important to review your relationship and end it when necessary. If you find yourself in a toxic relationship, take steps to protect yourself. Remember that your emotional and psychological health is important. To protect yourself from harmful relationships, it is very important to clearly define your boundaries, stay true to your own truths, and get support.