It sounds like you had a very intense and confusing experience with your girlfriend, and it’s understandable that you’re feeling uncertain about the situation. Here are some key points to consider regarding the incident, the dynamics of your relationship, and how to approach it moving forward.

Understanding the Incident

Accidental contact, especially in sensitive areas, can provoke strong reactions. Your girlfriend's sensitivity about her belly button indicates a personal boundary that is important to her. However, her response—punching you in the face—was extreme and not an appropriate way to handle her discomfort. It’s crucial to recognize that while her feelings are valid, her reaction was not justified.

Communication Breakdown

After the incident, it seems that communication broke down quickly. You were in shock and trying to process what happened, while she shifted to a defensive stance. This is a common response in conflicts where emotions run high. A few points to consider:

• Shock and Reaction: Your immediate reaction was one of surprise and confusion, which is natural when faced with unexpected violence.
• Defensiveness: Her defensiveness can stem from guilt or embarrassment about her reaction. Instead of owning her behavior, she redirected the blame onto you.
• Gaslighting: You mentioned feeling like you were gaslit into apologizing. Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that makes someone question their reality or feelings. If you felt pressured to apologize despite your own feelings of hurt, it could be indicative of this behavior.

Setting Boundaries

It’s essential to establish healthy boundaries in a relationship. Here are some steps you might consider:

• Communicate Your Feelings: Find a calm moment to express how the incident made you feel. Use “I” statements, such as “I felt shocked and hurt when you punched me.” This can help avoid placing blame and encourage a more productive conversation.
• Discuss Sensitivity: Talk about her sensitivity regarding her belly button. Understanding each other's boundaries can help prevent similar misunderstandings in the future.
• Address Violence: Physical violence, even if it’s a reaction to a sensitive issue, is not acceptable. Make it clear that while you understand her discomfort, hurting you is never an appropriate response.

Evaluating the Relationship

Consider whether this relationship dynamic is healthy for you. Reflect on the following:

• Respect: Does she respect your feelings? A healthy relationship involves mutual respect, where both partners feel safe to express their emotions without fear of retaliation.
• Accountability: Is she willing to take responsibility for her actions? A partner who acknowledges their mistakes and shows a willingness to change is crucial for a healthy relationship.
• Conflict Resolution: How do you both handle conflicts? Healthy relationships involve constructive communication and conflict resolution strategies.

Moving Forward

Ultimately, the decision to stay together should be based on mutual respect, understanding, and a willingness to work through issues together. If you find that these elements are lacking, it may be worth considering whether this relationship is serving your emotional well-being.

In conclusion, your feelings are valid, and it’s important to address both the physical and emotional aspects of what happened. Open communication is key, and setting boundaries can help ensure that both you and your girlfriend feel safe and respected in the relationship.