As an advocate against domestic violence, I want to remind everyone that love does not hurt or control another person. This Valentine's Day, let's celebrate healthy and respectful relationships where both partners feel safe and valued.

Let's use this day as an opportunity to show love and kindness to everyone in our lives, whether it be a romantic partner, family member, friend, or even a stranger. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated and loved.

Remember, love should always be about respect, kindness, and compassion. Let's work together to create a world where everyone can experience love without fear of harm or violence.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person or a group makes someone doubt their own memories, perceptions, or sanity. Recognize it, reclaim your reality and protect yourself from this insidious form of abuse. 

Signs of gaslighting can include:

• Making the victim question their own memory or perception of events.
• Denying events or information that the victim knows to be true.
• Blaming the victim for problems in the relationship or for their own behavior.
• Constant lying and contradiction.
• Making the victim feel isolated or dependent on the manipulator.
• Using fear, guilt, or shame to control the victim's behavior.
• Manipulating evidence or circumstances to confuse the victim.
• Projecting blame on the victim, making them feel responsible for the manipulator's problems.
• Creating a sense of insecurity or instability in the victim.
• Gaslighters often try to keep their behavior hidden, making it difficult for the victim to get support or validate their experiences.

Here are some ways to recognize and address gaslighting:

Trust your gut -If you feel like something is off or not right, pay attention to that feeling. Your gut instincts are often right.

Look for patterns -If you notice a pattern of behavior where someone consistently denies the things you know to be true, it may be a sign of gaslighting.

Document it -Write down instances where you feel like you have been gaslit. This can help you see the pattern more clearly and also serve as evidence when you need to address the situation.

Seek support -It's important to have someone you can talk to about what's going on. Having someone to validate your experiences can help you feel less alone and more confident in your perceptions.

Speak up -When you feel confident, confront the person who is gaslighting you. Let them know that you don't appreciate being manipulated and that you know what's really going on.

Set boundaries -Make it clear to the person that their behavior is not acceptable and that you will not tolerate it. Consider ending the relationship or limiting contact with them if necessary.

Seek professional help -If the gaslighting is severe or affecting your mental health, consider seeking therapy or counseling to help you process your experiences and regain your sense of self.

Gaslighting is a form of abuse and it is not your fault. You have the right to be treated with respect and to have your experiences validated. Never allow someone to manipulate you into doubting yourself.

If you need support, reach out to me. Help is available and I can point you in the right direction.