You could also promise to provide information and then never do so, the infamous “I’ll get back to you.” When you simply play dumb, you just deny having the knowledge at all. These may seem like very slight nuances to you, but it might strike you that all involve some type of deception.
Is playing dumb a defense mechanism?
Helplessness: pretending to be helpless or dumb is an act of self defense to combat against people asking questions. The appearance of innocence is done to avoid taking responsibility for one’s actions.
What are the benefits of playing dumb?
Playing dumb illustrates the power of communication in its absence and is one of the smartest, most altruistic moves you can keep in your conversational toolkit. We exert a profound influence on interactions with what we don’t say, type or forward.
Is playing dumb a good strategy?
Playing Dumb Is Often A Great Strategy
When you are up against someone else, you can gain an advantage if they underestimate you. Their guard will go down, and they may even share valuable information with you! Pretending that you don’t know much about a situation will encourage other people to open up first.
What does it mean when someone plays dumb? – Related Questions
Is playing dumb a form of Gaslighting?
Gaslighting makes you question reality. You know they are not incompetent, but they play dumb and you are put into situation where they can deflect any blame (they didn’t know better!) and project shame (how can you expect them to know better?!). I agree that it sounds like a form of gaslighting.
Do narcissists play dumb?
Yes it’s called gaslighting, it’s used to make you question your memory, perception and/or sanity. Another form of gaslighting is withholding… that’s where they pretend to not understand (play stupid) . This also takes away any of their responsibility.
Do gaslighters love their victims?
Gaslighters love to wield your love and affection for them as a weapon against you and will use this phrase to excuse a wide variety of bad behaviors, Stern says. But the bottom line is that you can love someone and be upset about something they did at the same time.
What are common gaslighting phrases?
The following are 25 phrases abusers will use to gaslight you:
- “You’re being paranoid.”
- “You’re overreacting.”
- “That never happened.”
- “You are making that up.”
- “You have always been crazy.”
- “I don’t know what you want me to say.”
- “It’s your fault.”
- “Everyone agrees with me.”
How do you outsmart a gaslighter?
Here are eight tips for responding and taking back control.
- First, make sure it’s gaslighting.
- Take some space from the situation.
- Collect evidence.
- Speak up about the behavior.
- Remain confident in your version of events.
- Focus on self-care.
- Involve others.
- Seek professional support.
How do you beat a narcissist in his own game?
Don’t React to Their Abusive Tactics
Your reaction is exactly what they want. So, don’t accept the narcissist’s gaslighting phrases as your truth. They will try everything to demean and discredit you. Practice positive affirmations to undue blame and maintain healthy self-esteem.
What are 10 signs of gaslighting?
10 Signs of Gaslighting Behaviour
- Blatant Lies. You know the person is lying, often and with ease, yet they say they do not recognise this in their behaviour.
- Deny, Deny, Deny. You know what they said.
- Using What You Love Against You.
- Losing Your Sense of Self.
- Words Versus Actions.
- Love and Flattery.
- Confusion.
- Projecting.
What is a good example of gaslighting?
In relationships, an abusive person may use gaslighting to isolate their partner, undermine their confidence, and make them easier to control. For example, they might tell someone they are irrational until the person starts to think it must be true.
What are subtle signs of gaslighting?
Subtle Signs of Gaslighting
- “You’re Overreacting.”
- “That’s Not What I Meant.”
- “You Can’t Take a Joke.”
- “You’re Too Sensitive.”
- “You Need Therapy.”
- “That’s Not What Happened.”
- “You’re Being Paranoid.”
- “Don’t Be Dramatic.”
What do narcissists say during gaslighting?
For example, gaslighting narcissists may use phrases like, “That never happened” or, “You’re imagining things.” They may outright deny any wrongdoing by saying things like, “I would never do something like that.”
What are the four types of gaslighting?
There are four primary types of gaslighting behaviors: the straight-up lie, reality manipulation, scapegoating and coercion.
What’s the opposite of gaslighting?
The idea seems to be that validation is the opposite of gaslighting: Gaslighting makes you doubt what you think, while validation affirms what you think.
How do you turn the table on a gaslighter?
How to Turn the Tables on a Gaslighter Using 11 Tactics
- #1. Put a stop to their brainwashing.
- #2. Expose their toxic behavior.
- #3. Resist the urge to defend yourself.
- #4. Set boundaries.
- #5. Minimize interaction.
- #6. Stop engaging and leave the scene.
- #7. Keep a journal.
- #8. Don’t show any emotion.
What is a gaslighter personality?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which the abuser attempts to sow self-doubt and confusion in their victim’s mind. Typically, gaslighters are seeking to gain power and control over the other person, by distorting reality and forcing them to question their own judgment and intuition.
What are the 11 signs of gaslighting?
👓 11 Warning Signs of Gaslighting | Psychology Today
- They tell blatant lies.
- They deny they ever said something, even though you have proof.
- They use what is near and dear to you as ammunition.
- They wear you down over time.
- Their actions do not match their words.
- They throw in positive reinforcement to confuse you.
What mental illness causes gaslighting?
Certain mental health conditions such as narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder lend themselves to gaslighting as those illnesses give people a distorted view of themselves and others and a propensity toward manipulating others for their own ends by any means necessary, as well as never
