Gaslighting is a form of 'passive-aggressive anger'
Passive-aggressive anger is a version of anger that conceals hostility. It is particularly dangerous because it cannot be identified until after the damage has been done.
When gaslighting is allowed to go unchecked, it can injure a person’s self-esteem and confidence.
When gaslighting is used to control a person, it is a form of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is a very serious relationship malfunction that injures many people and can cause a complete breakdown of the couple’s relationship and family.
Most often, gaslighting is used to neutralize another person’s point of view to gain the upper hand in an argument and thereby increase one’s influence regarding the decision or point to be made.
Sometimes, the perpetrator of gaslighting is not even aware of what they are doing. Gaslighting is a hidden form of anger that can be hidden from both the perpetrator and the victim.
Gaslighting should always be called out. Otherwise, it will likely only become more prevalent within the relationship.
When gaslighting is not used as an instrument of abuse, once the perpetrator of gaslighting becomes aware of what they are doing, they will become more mindful and reduce the gaslighting or eliminate it completely.
