I bring it up because people using "gaslighting" in a very non-specific uncareful way is a concern of mine generally. I think people (native speakers included for sure) often don't really understand what they mean, sometimes really just mean people disagreeing, but still wanting the original meaning of "gaslighting" to suggest to the listener a form of abuse. But of course disagreeing alone is not a form of abuse.
But ok, ignoring the actual word... I'm still not sure I understand what you mean.
You think the author wants you to feel guilty because he did not manage to cash out, yes? (I'm not sure what this has to do with a spouse saying "totally not mad honey", but let's leave that aside too).
I'm not sure I agree that's what the author is trying to do,and am curious what parts of the text made you think the author was trying to make you (readers in general?) feel guilty. But okay , to move on, let's say he might have been. And you do not think you should feel guilty? OK, fair enough.
And you think... by trying to make you feel guilty, or by the manner he used to try to make you feel guilty, he is in some way tricking or manipulating you, the readers, in an unethical way? Am I on the right track?
I understand "gaslighting" as "manipulating someone so as to make them question their own reality."
Is that what you mean, or something else?