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RE: Attrition and Intuition: Gaslighting and Other Psychological Warfare/Mischief
Yeah.... Gaslighting is a particularly invasive and yet subtle form of manipulation. Been on the (attempted) receiving end a few times; as a result it has become somewhat interesting to me to understand who seems more likely to become the victims in the equation. Seems like a poorly defined sense of self when you are in your formative years (at least this held true for me) makes you a likely "target." If you don't think much of yourself, someone's "kind" words (however inauthentic) can be an easy hook...
Simple awareness is an important part of the road to healing.
@denmarkguy Honestly, I think for me it was just an naive inability to imagine that someone would do this. I consider myself to be somewhat self aware and not above fault so I considered that some failures in communications could and probably were my fault but the pattern and inability of the other person to admit any wrongdoing ever gave rise to a suspicion that something was not and is not right. So, I talked with a psychologist friend for an objective opinion and got some helpful advice. The rest, well as they say, is history. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Interesting... I guess part of my own downfall also was the result of not being able to accept(?) that some people "are simply mean." And I say that, standing apart from any hurts and wounds they may have... simply referring to how they are in life, in this moment. I was in a dumbfounded "Why would anyone want to DO that???" state.
Glad you've found some healing! These experiences can be hard to shed... and trusting people again a tricky proposition.
That is the catch....trusting! But the rewards of being around good people is worth the risk!