Is it Projection, or is there Actually Something Wrong with Me?
One of the most damaging effects of psychological and emotional abuse is the way it makes you question yourself.
Projection is the abuser attributing their own negative traits or behaviors to their victim. Instead of taking responsibilitly for their actions, they accuse you of the very things they are doing!
Do These Resonate with You?
They lie but constantly accuse you of dishonesty.
They cheat but insist you’re the unfaithful one.
They manipulate but claim you’re controlling.
They start fights but call you dramatic and unstable.
They say you’re the abuser when you exert boundaries.
They regularly distort reality, deny things they said or did, then accuse you of gaslighting.
How to Tell if it’s Projection, or if You Need to Self-Reflect:
Does the accusation match past patterns of yours? Is it in your character to do what you’re being accused of?
Does the accusation come with evidence, or is it a vague, sweeping statement?
Do you already know that the abuser is guilty of what they’re accusing you of?
What does your gut tell you?
Breaking Free
Emotionally Detach
Keep a Log of Their Accusations
Regularly Ground Yourself in Truth (look at facts)