Are they gaslighting you or are you just misusing the term?
In this episode, Christina breaks down two of the most misunderstood (and overused) buzzwords in modern dating: gaslighting and narcissism. With compassion and clarity, she explains how labeling every ex or situationship with these terms can be damaging. Not just to them, but to your own healing.
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:42 – Why we misuse dramatic terms to feel heard
03:03 – Understanding emotional manipulation vs. conflict
03:36 – What gaslighting really is (and isn’t)
05:35 – The power imbalance and how low self-trust attracts manipulation
06:54 – Gaslighting as a defense mechanism rooted in trauma
08:12 – Clear example: Flirty behavior vs. real gaslighting
09:53 – Core difference: invalidation vs. disagreement
10:30 – Defining narcissism and the “better than” ego state
11:44 – Narcissistic traits vs. clinically diagnosed Narcissistic Personality Disorder
13:27 – Mislabeling every “toxic” partner waters down real red flags
14:39 – The difference between emotional immaturity and narcissism
16:00 – Grandiose vs. vulnerable (covert) narcissism explained
17:59 – Why narcissists use martyrdom or emotional withdrawal to regain control
18:33 – Questions to ask if you think you dated a narcissist
19:51 – Owning your role in unhealthy dynamics
20:45 – Gaslighting recovery: Rebuilding self-trust and clarity
21:43 – How to speak your truth even after emotional invalidation
22:32 – You don’t need a label to leave an unhealthy relationship
23:14 – Outro
