Gaslighting is a term that a lot of people are just discovering. But, unfortunately, it is not a new experience for many people. The term gaslighting comes from a film by the same name, which originated as a 1938 play written by Patrick Hamilton before it was adapted into a film in 1944. In the movie, the main character is essentially trying to drive his wife crazy so that he can commit her and steal her jewels.
In the film, he gradually tries to make his wife feel crazy by doing things and then denying they ever happened. Although the movie is pretty dramatic, it's important to note that gaslighting is typically a very gradual thing. It may seem harmless at first, but it can gradually make people question their own thoughts and behavior.
Gaslighting can appear in many types of relationships, such as within parent/child relationships or in intimate relationships. So, what does gaslighting look like?
Here are a few things that you should be on the lookout for:
If you are able to stomach it, I recommend checking out the film. Sometimes it is easier to see things from the outside in order to recognize them in your own relationship. You can also listen to "Trauma Queen" Season 2, which is all about gaslighting in all its different forms.