Eventually, you accept their version of reality to avoid conflict and do whatever you can to earn their approval. After a few more instances of gaslighting, you start to defend yourself. It seems unusual, but you brush it off as a one-time thing. This often happens in three distinct stages, according to Stern, though not every gaslighting dynamic involves all three stages: It’s more nuanced, which can make it harder to recognize. Gaslighting isn’t the same as someone lying to you, expressing a different opinion, or saying you’re wrong about something.
spending little or no time on the activities or hobbies you used to enjoy.constantly reviewing your words and actions to make sure you’ve done everything “right”.lying or isolating yourself from loved ones to avoid conflict.making excuses for the person gaslighting you to family and friends.frequently questioning whether you said the right thing or made the right choice.making choices to please others instead of yourself.Gaslighting can also show up as changes in your behavior. This mask of concern can leave you even more convinced there’s something “wrong” with you. “You know I wouldn’t say these things if I didn’t care, right?”.“You seem so confused lately, and you keep forgetting things.These feelings tend to come from what the other person says or implies about your behavior.