Gaslighting, ah. It’s that delightful form of psychological manipulation that makes you question your sanity while the culprit sits back, sipping their coffee like a maestro conducting a symphony of confusion.
Seriously, if there were a PhD programme in dodging accountability, gaslighters would be the valedictorians.
Picture this: you ask your buddy for the money they owe you. You know that cash you lent them while believing they were your friends? Instead of a simple “Thanks for reminding me, I’ll pay you back,” you get a full-blown Oscar-worthy performance. Suddenly, they’re the victim, sobbing over how you are the bad guy for even bringing it up. “How can you say that I didn’t pay your money? I don’t owe you anything!” Cue the eye roll.
This is the gaslighter’s favourite move: deflect, project, and play the victim card like they’re auditioning for a drama series. And why not? It’s the perfect way to twist the narrative. While you’re standing there, dumbfounded and questioning whether you’re the one who’s in the wrong, they’re busy crafting their sob story. It’s like watching a toddler throw a tantrum, only with more manipulation and less cuteness.
The absurdity here is unbelievable. Imagine someone convincing you that you are the villain in a situation where they’re in your debt. They carry guilt like a weapon, and suddenly, you’re the bad guy for expecting basic decency. It’s the kind of logic that would make a soap opera writer proud.
Gaslighting is a masterclass in absurdity, where the rules are made up and the victims aren’t who you think they are. It’s a twisted game that makes you question your reality while they bask in their fabricated glow. So, the next time you find yourself in a situation like this, just remember: you’re not the crazy one. They are. Simply consider how absurd it all is, if you even need a reminder.
So, Where Do We Go From Here?
The sad truth is, gaslighting is here to stay – like a really bad reality TV show that refuses to get cancelled. But the good news? Once you see it for what it is, it becomes a lot easier to spot. Whether it’s your friend conveniently forgetting that they owe you money or a public figure pretending that everyone else is crazy, you’ll know the playbook. And once you recognise it, you can call it out with a smile, because, let’s face it, nothing annoys a gaslighter more than someone who refuses to play along.
So cheers to the gaslighters: keep spinning your tales out of thin air. Because honestly, the most entertaining part is watching you squirm when someone finally calls you out. Bravo for your performance, but the show’s over.
