Gaslighting: You’ve Heard the Term
But What Does It Really Mean?
In the past five years or so, the term “gaslighting” started appearing everywhere. In fact, gaslighting has taken on so much prominence that its meaning has become muddled and diluted.
titular gaslight and insists the flickering is in her imagination. It makes for a thrilling movie but a profoundly distressing experience in real life.
Gaslighters start slow and build up the abuse gradually over time. They will frequently tell obvious lies or strenuously deny they did or said something despite clear evidence. Gaslighters often project their shortcomings onto their victims to protect their own image. If a gaslighter is a serial cheater or alcoholic, they’ll not only deny it but also accuse their victim of the same thing. Gaslighters will make subtle comments to the victim’s friends and family under the guise of worry, undermining the victim’s credibility and setting the stage for them to be seen as “crazy” and untrustworthy. To the victim, they’ll repeatedly claim that others back them up and know the victim is unstable. As a result, victims will become isolated, self-doubting, and vulnerable to even more extreme abuse. If someone you know is showing signs of being gaslighted by a spouse, they need help. Abusers don’t give up, so divorce is usually the only way to escape a controlling partner. Bruce Law Firm has experience representing victims of controlling spouses and helping them to leave their relationships as safely as possible. Don’t wait — encourage them to visit BrucePA.com today to access free resources or schedule a consultation.
Gaslighting is not just lying about or making excuses for bad behaviors. It’s actually an intense pattern of control and emotional abuse that causes the victim to question their own sanity and perception of reality. A gaslighting victim will start to believe their abuser’s version
of events, even if they witnessed something different with their own eyes. They’ll become disoriented and anxious, stuck in a constant pattern of questioning their own perceptions and instincts. The term gaslighting comes from the 1944 movie “Gaslight,” directed by George Cukor. In the film, a man convinces his wife that she’s going insane through careful and persistent manipulation — in one famous instance, he repeatedly dims the house’s
Bruce Law TEAM
Herbed Sweet Pup-tato Fries
Inspired by Food.com and GoodPetFoodKitchen.com.au
Many herbs in your late summer garden are beneficial for your dog’s health. These easy sweet potato fries are the perfect vessel to deliver those benefits to your canine friend.
Ingredients
• 1 yam or sweet potato, plus your choice of dog-safe spice combination Spice Combinations Italian-Inspired Blend to HelpWith Pet Arthritis • 1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped • 1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped Warming Blend to Help Regulate Blood Sugar and Improve Dental Health • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground coriander
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 250 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Cut yam or sweet potato into fries by slicing it lengthwise into 1/3-inch slabs. Then, slice each slab lengthwise into 1/3-inch rectangles. 3. Place fries onto the baking sheet in a single, well-spaced layer. Sprinkle your herbs of choice on top. 4. Bake for 3 hours. Let cool, then serve as a treat to your pup. 561-810-0170 • 3
Bruce Law Firm attorneys at a family law ethics event
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