Gaslighting vs. Manipulating

Attribute	Gaslighting	Manipulating
Definition	Psychological manipulation to make someone doubt their own sanity	Exerting control or influence over someone for personal gain
Goal	To make the victim question their reality and feel confused	To achieve a desired outcome or benefit for the manipulator
Techniques	Gaslighting involves denying the victim's experiences, manipulating facts, and distorting reality	Manipulation can involve lying, guilt-tripping, playing mind games, or using emotional blackmail
Impact	Can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness in the victim	May result in the victim feeling used, controlled, or deceived

Definition

Gaslighting and manipulating are both forms of psychological manipulation, but they have distinct differences. Gaslighting involves making someone doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity. It is a form of emotional abuse where the abuser tries to make the victim question their reality. On the other hand, manipulating involves influencing someone to do something for the manipulator's benefit. It can involve lying, guilt-tripping, or using other tactics to control the other person.

Intent

The intent behind gaslighting is to gain power and control over the victim by making them doubt themselves. The gaslighter wants to manipulate the victim into thinking they are crazy or unreliable, so they can easily control them. On the other hand, manipulating is done with the intention of getting the other person to do what the manipulator wants. It is often done for personal gain or to avoid consequences.

Techniques

Gaslighting techniques include denying the victim's reality, trivializing their feelings, and shifting blame onto them. The gaslighter may also use gaslighting phrases like "You're too sensitive" or "You're overreacting" to make the victim doubt themselves. Manipulating techniques can include lying, withholding information, or using emotional manipulation to get the other person to comply. The manipulator may also use guilt-tripping or playing the victim to get their way.

Effects

Gaslighting can have serious effects on the victim's mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The victim may start to question their own reality and lose trust in themselves. Gaslighting can also lead to a sense of isolation, as the victim may feel like they can't trust anyone. On the other hand, manipulating can damage relationships and trust between people. The person being manipulated may feel used or betrayed when they realize they were being manipulated.

Warning Signs

Some warning signs of gaslighting include feeling confused, constantly apologizing, and doubting your own feelings and perceptions. The victim may also feel like they are walking on eggshells around the gaslighter, trying to avoid conflict. Warning signs of manipulation can include feeling pressured to do something you don't want to do, feeling guilty for saying no, or feeling like you are being controlled by the other person.

Prevention and Coping

To prevent gaslighting, it's important to trust your own feelings and perceptions and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Setting boundaries with the gaslighter and standing up for yourself can also help prevent further manipulation. To cope with manipulation, it's important to recognize the signs and assert your own needs and boundaries. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can also help you navigate manipulative relationships.