03/18/2025
In case you were wondering,
“Using "it was just a joke" to dismiss or invalidate someone's feelings or experiences can be a form of gaslighting, a tactic used to manipulate and control others.
Here's a breakdown of why and how:
Gaslighting Defined:
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where someone subtly and persistently denies or minimizes the reality of another person's experiences, feelings, or thoughts, often with the goal of making them question their own sanity or perception of reality.
"It Was Just a Joke" as Gaslighting:
When someone uses "it was just a joke" to excuse hurtful or dismissive behavior, they are essentially saying that the other person's reaction or feelings are invalid or exaggerated. This can be a way to control the other person by making them feel like they are overreacting or being overly sensitive.
Examples:
"You're being too sensitive, it was just a joke."
"I was just kidding, you're making a big deal out of nothing."
"That's not what I meant, you're misinterpreting things”
