Gaslighting is a form of manipulation through the use of extreme brainwashing and bullying.

For victims of gaslighting, coming up with the tools and knowledge to stop gaslighting can be difficult if not downright impossible.

According to Love and Universe coach Ronnie Ryan, “Since you can’t control your partner gaslighting you, I don’t see how you can stop it. This happens when someone else denies what’s going on, blames you, or makes you feel like everything is your fault.” “It makes you feel like you can’t do anything right and maybe you’re crazy.”

When you love someone, the last thing you expect them to do is manipulate you and make you doubt yourself. Sometimes it ends up happening and you don’t realize it until later because you are (or were) in love.

However, manipulation in romantic relationships can be extremely harmful.

In order to drop a gas lighter, you have to remember not to give them control and defend yourself until they stop.

Related: Is Your Toxic Sibling Really A Narcissist?

How to confront gaslighting

If you think your partner is gaslighting you and want to learn how to stop it, you must first learn how to confront the gaslighter.

It’s a good idea to confront your gaslighting partner because they may not realize they’re gaslighting you, or they may realize they have a bad defense mechanism but don’t know what to call it or how to stop, which is unconscious gaslighting.

If so, you can help them understand what gaslighting is, what it looks like, and how it feels.

If you want to remove toxic patterns from a relationship, this is a step in the right direction.

However, if you are dealing with ridicule from a partner with a personality disorder such as narcissism, especially one who is emotionally abusive, you must remove yourself from the situation. You should not participate in a conversation or let your partner know your point of view or feelings. It will take a lot of your energy to convince them because the chances of that are very slim.

If the relationship continues, you have no choice but to leave the relationship, it’s not worth being manipulated and brainwashed 24/7. Spend time with friends and family and learn how to be yourself again.

If you’re worried that your lighting partner will ignore you as usual when you try to respond to him, you should be prepared to start the conversation first so he doesn’t get a chance to talk about you and ignore your response. .

Related: The Top 11 Signs Of A Cheating Narcissist — And How To Catch Them In The Act

6 Ways to Stop Gaslighting in a Relationship

1. Seek support from trusted people.
   If you think you can’t do it alone, it is very important that you find help from others to help you cope with the gaslighter.

Before you confront someone who is attacking you, you should talk to your trusted friends outside of your relationship so that you feel validated and gain the courage to confront your partner. This will also help you feel confident in your gaslighting experience as your trusted friend can tell you if they think it’s gaslighting too.

Reminders and sympathy from others can make you feel deeply supported, which is the strength you need to feel better. You can also talk to a mental health professional or therapist to get professional approval that your partner is indeed a gas player.

2. Take some space away from your partner.
   In order to help yourself feel ready to confront your partner, you need to be physically and emotionally prepared.

If you need a break from the conversation, leave because you can always come back. Go for a walk, take a break outside, and if they don’t let you leave, do some breathing exercises and anchor yourself to something close to you like a picture, a lamp, or something you can look at.

When confronting your partner, you need to remain calm and persistent as this will help the conversation go more smoothly and effectively. No matter how angry you are at your partner for denying what you say, try to remain calm because your distress will only encourage him to continue manipulating you.

This will also help you focus the conversation and tell the truth, and not let their false narrative influence you.

3. Gather evidence to build your case.
   If you need to show your partner physical evidence such as recordings, screenshots of texts, notes on every red flag they bring up or direct quotes from a conversation, even better.

You want your partner to listen and recognize every one of the gaslighting tactics, gaslighting behaviors, and gaslighting phrases in the conversation.

By allowing their behavior to be heard, they may realize how awful they sound. Make sure to collect your evidence in a safe and confidential place.

4. Talk to your partner about his behavior.
   If you prove to your partner that their gaslighting didn’t work for you because you’re not confused or have a lack of confidence, they may decide that gaslighting you isn’t worth the struggle.

If you call out your partner because of his criticisms and insults in a soothing way, he may realize this and listen to you. If you do this in a calm (but firm) voice, they may try to understand what they did wrong, and it also gives them an incentive to leave you alone.

If they respond to your criticism about something, dismiss them and tell them or even show them that they are wrong.

5. Be confident in your ability to remember events.
   A mystery will always make you wonder what really happened in the story and you have to remind yourself and stay true to your version of the story. Don’t let them confuse you in any way or give in to the urge to question yourself.

Repeat what you know with confidence, and if you have proof, even better. Try to remain calm, as if the conversation turns into an argument, you will be put in a vulnerable position that can be easily manipulated.

6. Focus on your self-care.
   The first importance in a relationship is taking care of your physical and emotional needs. Practicing healthy self-care can make a difference in improving your mental state. Anxiety and fear have the potential to negatively impact your job, relationships, or life in general, making it difficult to find the simple pleasures in life.

“The only thing you can do is take care of yourself. Talk to a professional to make sure you are gaslit. Build your confidence and self-belief again. If you are sure you are gaslit, stop doing business with that person” There is no way to make someone stop About doing that — except not playing by his rules,” Ryan says.

If you dedicate a significant amount of time to relaxation and wellness, you will become stronger.

You can also practice positive self-talk by reminding yourself of your accomplishments and strengths. Other things that can help you are meditation, yoga, journaling, and participating in physical activity such as running.

If you think you may be suffering from depression or anxiety as a result of ongoing emotional abuse, you are not alone. Gaslighting can happen to anyone and is not a reflection of who you are or anything you have done wrong. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor for free support, 24/7.

Related: Signs You’re Caught In The Narcissistic Abandonment Cycle With Your Partner