Gaslighting
Systematically making someone doubt their own memory, perception or judgment — 'that never happened', 'you're overreacting' — so they defer to the manipulator's version of reality; it works through power and credibility.
An everyday example
A manager who denies agreeing to a deadline everyone heard, then questions your recall in front of the team.
What it can cost you
Losing trust in your own record; deferring to whoever sounds most certain.
Warning signs
- I am starting to doubt what I clearly remember.
- This person is always the one whose version wins.
One thing to do
Keep contemporaneous written records and confirm agreements by email the same day; when your memory is challenged, consult the record, not the other person.
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