12 Gaslighting Phrases You Might Have Heard So Often You Think It’s Normal
Gaslighting is a subtle form of manipulation that can creep into everyday conversations without you even realizing it. You might hear certain phrases so often that they start to feel normal, even when they’re undermining your feelings or reality.
Understanding these common gaslighting phrases can help you recognize when your trust in your own perceptions is being challenged. Being aware of this can give you the tools to protect your mental and emotional well-being.
You’re just being too sensitive.
When someone tells you that you’re “too sensitive,” it can make you question your feelings. This phrase often dismisses your emotions instead of addressing the issue.
You might start to think you’re overreacting, even if your feelings are valid. It’s important to recognize that your emotions matter and deserve respect.
If you hear this often, it could be a way to avoid taking responsibility for hurting you. Trust your instincts and don’t let this phrase undermine your experience.
I never said that.
You might hear this phrase when you bring up something that was said before. It’s used to make you doubt your memory or perception.
This phrase tries to erase what you remember, making you question if you misunderstood or imagined it.
When you hear “I never said that,” it can feel confusing and make you hesitate to trust yourself. Recognize it as a way to shift responsibility away from the other person.
Stand firm by trusting your own memory and feelings, even if someone denies what they said.
You’re remembering it wrong.
When someone says, “You’re remembering it wrong,” they are questioning your memory directly. This can make you doubt what you clearly recall.
You might start second-guessing yourself, wondering if you misunderstood or missed something. It’s a subtle way to shift the focus from their actions to your reliability.
Remember, your memory is valid. Don’t let this phrase make you dismiss your own experience or feelings.
That never happened.
When someone says, “That never happened,” they’re pushing you to doubt your own memory. You might feel confused because you clearly remember the event.
This phrase tries to erase your experience, making you question what really took place. You start wondering if you imagined it or misunderstood.
It’s normal to want to trust your own perspective. If you hear this often, remind yourself that your feelings and memories are valid. Keep trusting what you know to be true.
You’re imagining things.
When someone tells you “You’re imagining things,” they might be trying to dismiss your feelings or experiences. This phrase can make you doubt your memory or perception.
It’s common to hear this during disagreements, especially if you bring up something important. The goal is often to make you question what you saw or felt.
Remember, your feelings are valid. If you’re repeatedly told you’re imagining things, it’s okay to trust your own perspective and seek clarity.
You’re crazy, not me.
When someone tells you “You’re crazy, not me,” they’re trying to shift blame onto you. This phrase is a way to dismiss your feelings or concerns without addressing them.
You might start doubting yourself after hearing this often. It’s meant to confuse you and make you question your own reality.
Remember, feeling upset or confused doesn’t mean you’re crazy. Your experiences and emotions are valid, even if someone tries to tell you otherwise.
Everyone thinks you’re overreacting.
When someone says, “Everyone thinks you’re overreacting,” it can make you doubt your feelings. This phrase is often used to dismiss your emotions and make you question if your reaction is really valid.
You might start to feel isolated because it suggests that others don’t support you. It’s important to remember your feelings are real and deserve respect, even if they seem different from what others expect.
You’re overthinking it.
When someone tells you, “You’re overthinking it,” they might be dismissing your feelings or concerns. It can make you doubt your own perspective, even when your worries are valid.
This phrase often shuts down conversation instead of addressing the issue. You may start second-guessing yourself, wondering if your feelings are really justified.
Remember, your thoughts and emotions matter. If you feel uneasy or confused, trust that instinct. Don’t let this phrase make you minimize your experiences.
You’re making a big deal out of nothing.
When someone tells you this, they’re dismissing your feelings or concerns. It can make you doubt whether your emotions are valid or justified.
You might start questioning yourself, wondering if you’re really overreacting. This phrase often minimizes your experience and shifts focus away from what’s bothering you.
Remember, your feelings deserve a respectful response. If something feels important to you, it’s important, regardless of how others see it.
You’re just confused.
When someone tells you “You’re just confused,” they might be trying to make you doubt your own feelings or memories. It suggests that your perspective isn’t valid, even if you’re certain about what happened.
This phrase can make you second-guess yourself, leading to frustration. It’s important to trust your own experience and not let others dismiss what you know to be true.
I was only joking.
You’ve probably heard this one after someone says something hurtful. They use “I was only joking” to dismiss your feelings and avoid responsibility.
Sometimes, jokes can cross the line. When you express hurt, this phrase can make you doubt if your feelings are valid.
It’s important to recognize when humor is used to mask mean or controlling behavior. You don’t have to accept hurtful comments just because they’re called jokes.
You’re the problem, not me.
When someone says, “You’re the problem, not me,” they are shifting blame onto you. This phrase tries to make you doubt your feelings and perspective.
You might start questioning yourself, wondering if you really are at fault. But often, this is a way to avoid accountability.
Recognizing this phrase as gaslighting can help you stand firm in your truth. You deserve to be heard without unfair blame placed on you.
