Don’t! and I repeat, DON’T ever let anyone dim your shine.
Be nice but don’t be stupid. Ever encountered someone that you may think is a “friend” but in reality, is your enemy? They will show you a friendly side when you’re alone together but try to make you look stupid or portray you as a bad person in front of others. This crap will confuse you at first and makes you wonder what you did wrong, and you will spend more time trying to appease this person, thinking that if you “do better” they will treat you better. So, there you are……trying your best to be better friend only be treated worst.
This behaviour your “friend” is exhibiting is called “GASLIGHTING”. Gaslighting is psychological manipulation, it will make you question yourself, thinking that you may be doing something wrong. But, they will do this while keeping you close, its the only way to control and manipulate you.
Some people have such low self-esteem that the only way they can feel good is by dragging others down. They are always seeking attention in different ways: by being loud, by saying what a good person he/she is (a good person never needs to say it, it shows), and by always trying to be the center of attention.
When you finally realized what this person is really doing, and you decide to run for the hills, then he/she will start playing the victim. They will twist your words and actions and portray you as the “bad guy”. The sad thing is because they are so good at this behaviour, others get caught into believing their lies about you. This is where you have to be strong. Don’t try to explain, it wouldn’t work. Just move on.
When you recognize this behaviour…END THE FRIENDSHIP!!! You will be judged, you will be the “bad guy”, but you will be happy. Your life will be better and the right people will come along because now based on your experience, you can recognize the gaslighters!
To read more about gaslighting, google has lots of information on this topic.
Disclaimer: This article is written based on my personal experience. I wrote it to share my experience with you and it should serve no other purpose.