5 Subtle Gaslighting Phrases That Are Unfairly Belittling Your Emotions

Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation that makes you doubt your own feelings and reality. Here are five subtle yet damaging phrases to watch out for.

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This phrase dismisses your emotions and makes you feel like your response is unreasonable, even when it’s completely valid.

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By labeling you as overly emotional, this phrase shifts blame onto you instead of acknowledging the real issue.

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When someone denies something they clearly said, it makes you question your memory and perception, a classic gaslighting tactic.

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This phrase is meant to make you doubt yourself, causing confusion and insecurity about what’s real.

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Dismissing hurtful comments as “just a joke” invalidates your feelings and allows the gaslighter to avoid responsibility.

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5 Subtle Gaslighting Phrases That Are Unfairly Belittling Your Emotions

Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation that makes you doubt your own feelings and reality. Here are five subtle yet damaging phrases to watch out for.

This phrase dismisses your emotions and makes you feel like your response is unreasonable, even when it’s completely valid.

"You're overreacting."

By labeling you as overly emotional, this phrase shifts blame onto you instead of acknowledging the real issue.

"You're too sensitive."

When someone denies something they clearly said, it makes you question your memory and perception, a classic gaslighting tactic.

"I never said that."

This phrase is meant to make you doubt yourself, causing confusion and insecurity about what’s real.

"You're imagining things."

Dismissing hurtful comments as “just a joke” invalidates your feelings and allows the gaslighter to avoid responsibility.

"It was just a joke. Don’t take things so seriously."

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