Have you ever felt like you're second-guessing everything you say or do? Or maybe you've been in situations where someone consistently made you feel like you were imagining things, even though you were sure of your own experiences? This is the insidious nature of gaslighting. But what exactly is gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic designed to make you question your reality, memories, and perceptions. It’s more than just manipulation — it's a calculated effort to distort your identity and emotional state. In this article, we will explore gaslighting examples, how these manipulations show up in everyday life, and most importantly, how you can respond to take back control. If you're a leader, professional, or anyone striving for emotional clarity, understanding these examples will help you reclaim your confidence and trust in your own reality.

Let’s dive into how gaslighting examples can manifest and how to protect your emotional well-being.

What Is Gaslighting?

What is gaslighting? Simply put, gaslighting is a psychological manipulation technique used to make a person doubt their own thoughts, feelings, or memory. The term comes from the 1938 play Gaslight, where a husband manipulates his wife into questioning her sanity by dimming the gas lights in their home and then denying it when she notices.

Gaslighting examples are often seen in toxic relationships, but this tactic can also appear in the workplace or social situations. It’s a slow process that wears down a person’s sense of self, making them increasingly reliant on the manipulator. Over time, this leads to anxiety, self-doubt, and, in extreme cases, depression.

Psychological Roots: Gaslighting didn’t just come out of nowhere. The term emerged from the 1938 stage play Gaslight and the 1944 film of the same name, where a manipulative husband gradually convinces his wife that she is going mad. Though its roots are theatrical, gaslighting is very real and widespread today.

Why is it so dangerous? Unlike other forms of manipulation, gaslighting goes beyond simply controlling someone’s behavior. The goal is to erode their perception of reality. The victim starts doubting their own memory, perceptions, and even their emotional reactions, which can cause deep psychological harm.

5 Clear Gaslighting Examples to Watch For

If you're questioning whether someone in your life might be gaslighting you, here are five gaslighting examples that can help you spot the behavior:

1. “You’re Too Sensitive”

One of the most common gaslighting examples is when someone dismisses your emotions by saying, “You’re too sensitive.” This phrase is used to invalidate your feelings and make you doubt your emotional responses. If you express concern or discomfort, the gaslighter might tell you that you’re overreacting, minimizing the importance of your feelings.

2. “That Never Happened”

Another classic gaslighting example involves someone denying an event that you vividly remember. They might say, “That never happened,” or “You’re imagining things.” This denial makes you question your memory and perception of reality. Over time, you may begin to doubt your own recollection of events, which leads to confusion and insecurity.

3. “You Always Forget Things”

In this gaslighting example, the manipulator constantly blames you for forgetfulness, even when the information is clear. This statement attacks your reliability and mental capacity, making you believe that you are unreliable or forgetful, even when you know you’re not.

4. “Everyone Agrees With Me — You’re the Problem”

A powerful gaslighting example occurs when the gaslighter uses others as a way to control your behavior. They may say, “Everyone else agrees with me,” or “You’re the only one who thinks that.” This tactic isolates you from others and makes you feel like you’re out of step with everyone around you, causing you to doubt your own thoughts and feelings.

5. “I Did This Because I Love You”

In romantic relationships, gaslighting examples often include the gaslighter justifying their harmful behavior by claiming it was done out of love or concern. For example, they may say, “I was just trying to help,” or “I did it because I care about you.” This makes you feel guilty for asserting your boundaries and can make it harder to stand up for yourself.

Workplace Gaslighting: When Leaders or Teams Undermine You

Gaslighting doesn’t just happen in personal relationships — it can also show up in the workplace. High-pressure environments often encourage manipulation tactics like gaslighting. Leaders or colleagues may use gaslighting examples to undermine your confidence, dismiss your contributions, or make you feel unqualified.

Here are some gaslighting examples in the workplace:

• Performance Reviews: A manager might tell you that you're underperforming, even if you haven’t received clear guidance or support. They might downplay your achievements and make you question your work performance.
• Emails and Communication: A coworker might deliberately misinterpret your emails or feedback, only to later deny they ever said it. This makes you feel unsure about your communication and abilities.
• Missed Promotions: If you're passed over for promotions or recognition without clear reasoning, and a gaslighter claims it’s due to your perceived weaknesses, it can erode your confidence and self-worth.

If you find yourself constantly apologizing for things you don’t remember doing or feel confused after interactions with a superior, you may be experiencing gaslighting at work.

The Mental Health Impact of Being Gaslit

The emotional toll of gaslighting examples can be profound. Over time, this manipulation can lead to significant mental health issues. Some of the psychological impacts include:

• Anxiety: Victims of gaslighting often feel on edge, constantly second-guessing themselves. This can lead to heightened anxiety and fear of making mistakes.
• Self-Doubt: Gaslighting erodes your confidence, making you constantly question your decisions and feelings.
• Decision Paralysis: When you can’t trust your own judgment, making even small decisions becomes a challenge.

In high-achieving individuals, these effects can lead to burnout or depression. If left unchecked, it can result in long-term psychological consequences, including PTSD, especially in abusive or toxic environments.

How to Respond to Gaslighting

When you realize that gaslighting examples are happening in your life, the first step is to reclaim your sense of self. Here are a few strategies:

1. Trust Your Instincts and Memories: Your perceptions are valid. Trust your feelings and memories, even if someone tries to tell you otherwise.
2. Journaling: Keeping a record of conversations, events, and your emotional state can help you track patterns and provide clarity.
3. Seek Therapy: Therapy can help you process the emotional confusion caused by gaslighting and teach you how to rebuild your confidence.
4. Build a Support Network: Having people you trust can help you validate your experiences and offer guidance. Talking to a neutral party can offer a fresh perspective.

Avoid engaging in a confrontation with the gaslighter. They are often not interested in logical reasoning but in maintaining control.

Real Talk: Are You Being Gaslit? Signs to Reflect On

Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you're wondering whether you're being gaslit:

• Do you frequently apologize for things you don’t remember doing?
• Do you feel confused or unsettled after interactions with certain people?
• Are you second-guessing your memories or perceptions more than usual?

If any of these resonate with you, it’s important to step back and assess your situation. You may want to consider journaling, talking to a trusted individual, or seeking professional help to reclaim your sense of self.

Professional Support: Why High Performers Are Often Targeted

High performers, particularly those in leadership roles or driven by success, are often targeted by gaslighters. Manipulation can be a tool to undermine their confidence and hinder their progress. Gaslighting is often subtle but can be incredibly damaging to someone striving for excellence. Understanding gaslighting examples is essential for protecting your mental and emotional well-being.

Reclaim Your Identity With Strategic Coaching

Gaslighting may try to strip away your sense of self, but with the right tools and strategies, you can rebuild your identity and confidence. Nancy Ho’s coaching approach integrates personal empowerment, strategic professional advice, and emotional clarity to help you overcome the damaging effects of gaslighting.

Whether in your personal relationships or professional life, gaslighting examples should not dictate your future. Let’s work together to help you reconnect with your truth, rebuild your self-trust, and regain control.

Book a Session with Nancy Ho

Ready to reclaim your clarity and power? Whether you're struggling with gaslighting examples in your relationships or professional life, Nancy Ho can help guide you toward emotional freedom.

Book your personal breakthrough session today. As a bonus, receive a free copy of “Love Reignited” to continue your journey of empowerment.