In workplace situations, the gaslighting is often both intentional and very strategic. It can be the gaslighting of a new, younger or more talented colleague; it is fuelled by envy or fear (of losing one’s job to the new paerson) and yet is often presented as mild jibes after which the gas-lighter can say they were “only joking”. (Heard that one before?)

It is also very clever, in that much of what is said isn’t even discriminatory, so the targeted person has nothing to complain to HR about. As the author says, it is often meaningful only to you.

Once the gaslighter sees that their treatment is having a negative impact on the target, bingo — it becomes even more strategic. Even if this gaslighting doesn’t lead to the breakdown or demotion of the target, if it is seen to be getting under his/her skin, that serves the gaslighter’s own purpose and it will continue.