When guilt becomes pressure
A person can be disappointed by a no without doing anything wrong. Pressure begins when your no triggers repeated demands, claims that you “owe” them, withdrawal of affection, or a threat of consequences. The important question is whether your choice is still yours.
Instead of debating whether the request is reasonable, return to your capacity: “I cannot do that on Friday.” You may choose to explain once. You do not have to keep producing new evidence until your answer is accepted.
Reality and memory
People remember events differently. A concerning pattern is repeated denial of things you observed, especially when the result is that you stop trusting your own judgment or cannot discuss the original issue. Record concrete details in a private place and check your account with a trusted person if that is safe.
Terms such as “gaslighting” and “narcissism” have specific meanings in different contexts and can be overused online. You do not need a label to take steps that protect your wellbeing.
A grounded response
Slow the conversation down. State one event, one impact, and one request. If the conversation keeps changing subject, you can pause it: “We are moving away from the point I raised. I will come back to this later.” If a person responds with threats or you fear retaliation, focus on support and safety instead of a direct script.