Love bombing is a manipulative tactic used to influence a person by demonstrations of attention and affection. It can be used for either positive or negative purposes, and psychologists have identified love bombing as a possible part of a cycle of abuse and have warned against it. Love bombing is characterized by excessive attention, admiration, and affection with the goal of making the recipient feel dependent and obligated to that person. Love bombers seek to quickly obtain the affection and attention of someone they are romantically pursuing by presenting an idealized image of themselves. Love bombing can happen intentionally or unintentionally, and it can be used by narcissists, abusers, and even con artists.
Here are some signs of love bombing:
- Excessive flattery and praise
- Over-communication of their feelings for you
- Showering you with unneeded/unwanted gifts
- Early and intense talks about your future together
- Intense focus on you and your needs
- Wanting to spend all their time with you
- Being overly affectionate in public
- Trying to isolate you from your friends and family
- Pressuring you to commit to the relationship quickly
- Making you feel guilty for not reciprocating their feelings
- Being overly jealous or possessive
Love bombing is a controlling and manipulative tactic most often used by narcissists and abusive people. It seeks to quickly obtain affection and attention before tearing their victim down. If you suspect that you are being love bombed, it is important to set boundaries and seek help from a therapist or a trusted friend or family member.
