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Gaslight: To manipulate (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity

Gaslighting is an act of desperation. The narcissist needs you to stay confused, so he will say and do what he can to keep you unsure of yourself. That way he can manipulate you and keep you where he wants you.

To get to the heart of the question, "Do they know they are using gaslighting tactics on their victim?"

In a state of desperation, they are just acting out. I believe it is impulsive for them. It is a survival technique for a narcissist. They are so concerned with their self that there is no question or consciousness that drives them from not doing it. They have NO empathy for the victim. Do they know it happened? Most definitely, in a very twisted fashion. In a twisted way, they seem to believe their own version of the distorted reality. They go out of their way to assassinate the victim's character. They will try to control the situation in such a way that the person who was gaslighted is kept away from other associates in the narcissist's world.

Check out the movie Gaslight. The antagonist definitely knows what he is doing. He is doing it to save his own face.

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10y ago
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14y ago

No.. because they are always right.

Absolutely- they know when to turn up the heat and when to pull back- its all about control and they will do whatever they have to do to get it and then hold on to it

.................

New answer.

A narcissist does not care. They have no sense of remorse, for every thing bad they do, it is only a reason to blame you for it. And no matter how good , loyal, hard working you are. They will cheat , leave you in a blink of an eye. Unless you are constantly , doing what they want. My wife is a narcissist, I worked same job for 12 years , 6 days a week , 60 hours. We would always fight, and I would always say , I'm sorry. Even when I thought I was right, just to end the argument. If you are with a narcissist , get out now!. I am sucked in , I feel I have to take care of my wife. As soon as I start to let go of her, she tells me how bad I made her life, how she wants to kill herself. When I am doing for her , she will act as if she is happy. A narcissist has the shortest memory in the world. They will remember every mistake you ever made, but will not remember what ever it was you did good for them. Every doubt you have in your mind , believe me is probably true. I have busted my wife in lie after lie. Still I chase this woman. Don't become pathetic ... Run

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6y ago

Yes they do by experience,but i am sure a cerebral narcissist knows the term gaslighting and knows he is using it.

What is 'gaslighting' in that context? New Answer-Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse that is used by narcissists that is very subtle and difficult to pinpoint.It works by creating confusion. If you are being gaslighted you lose trust in your senses,identity and common environment. The narcissist will tell you what you are feeling and thinking, when the narcissist creates some incident will be your fault, a merely perception based on your so called unstable emotions.

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Anonymous

Lvl 1
4y ago

Yes

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Q: Does a narcissist know what they are doing to their spouse?
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Should you expose a narcissist to their spouse if they are having an affair with your spouse?

Just because this person is a narcissist doesn't make then much different than anyone else cheating with your spouse and you should be more concerned about your spouse cheating. By all means sit down with the narcissists spouse and tell the whole story, but be sure you have absolute proof before doing so. Don't be surprised if the narcissist's spouse becomes angry and is denial, but, in time the spouse will become to believe it.


Has any spouse of a Narcissist ever felt that their spouse was flirting with other women in front of them?

Well of course. That's a how a narcissist valids himself.


Is it rude to ask what your spouse does for a living?

Definately not! You have a right to know what your spoue is doing.


Can a narcissist get married?

Sure. The question is - does the spouse-wanna-be want to stay abused & miserable for the rest of their life.


What do you do when you know your spouse is cheating but they dont know you know?

* Be very sure you do know your spouse is cheating on you before accusations start flying. If you know for sure then you need to start communicating with your spouse and let them know you are fully aware of what they are doing and you refuse to put up with it. It will be your decision alone to decide whether to stay with your spouse or leave them.


Is there such thing as an innocent spouse?

"Yes. I believe in an innocent spouse. I do agree there are some in relationships that do not cheat and abuse their spouse. They should be commended for doing so. I know it's hard to believe, but to believe is to conquer."


The narcissist husband has asked for divorce and actually filed papers asking spouse to pay for it How do you handle this?

Call an attourney.


Would a compensatory narcissist have a second successful marriage?

A compensatory narcissist would not be able to have a successful second marriage. This is because they would always be craving praise while belittling their spouse to make themselves feel better.


Does someone Narcissistic personality disorder know what they are doing?

Yes and no. They know when they want to. Every human being knows right from wrong, it's what they choose to do. If your actually addicted, you know what you are doing, but it's your choice to quit. I know that I have a problem, but choose to do nothing about it.


It is best to ignored a narcissist?

Yes it is......... I know from experience


Can a narcissist handle rejection?

No because rejection means you know who and what they really are and know all their true self. They think they are god and that one cannot live without them. They believe that you are the one who needs them, when in reality it is the other way around. Once a narcissist always a narcissist. They cannot change


Is it possible and if so how can the narcissistic traits of a spouse be pointed out in a very casual way so that those not familiar with narcissism start seeing that there is something wrong with him?

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