Being showered with love and attention may seem like a dream at the beginning of a relationship, but sometimes, it’s a manipulation tactic rather than genuine affection.
Love bombing is a psychological strategy where someone overwhelms you with excessive admiration, gifts, and attention to gain control over you.
Here are some warning signs of love bombing and how to protect yourself.
They give you extravagant gifts
If your partner constantly surprises you with expensive presents, lavish trips, or grand romantic gestures, it could be a red flag.
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Their goal is often to make you feel indebted to them and create a sense of obligation.
They overwhelm you with compliments
Flattery can feel great, but if they repeatedly tell you things like, “I’ve never met anyone as perfect as you” or “You’re the only one I’ll ever love”, it may be an attempt to manipulate you into believing they’re your soulmate.
They bombard you with calls and messages
Constant communication might seem sweet at first, but if they text or call non-stop and expect immediate responses, it’s a sign of control rather than affection.
Healthy relationships allow space and independence.
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They demand your full attention
A love bomber may become upset if you spend time with others or focus on anything outside the relationship.
They might act jealous or make you feel guilty for prioritizing your own needs.
They claim you’re “soulmates” right away
If they start saying things like, “We were meant to be together” or “No one understands me like you do” within days or weeks of meeting, they may be trying to accelerate emotional attachment before you can think critically about the relationship.
They push for commitment too soon
A love bomber will pressure you into serious commitments – moving in together, getting engaged, or making major life changes – before you’re ready.
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True love develops over time, not overnight.
They react badly to boundaries
When you try to set limits, they may respond with anger, guilt-tripping, or accusations of not loving them enough.
A healthy partner respects your boundaries, while a manipulator pushes past them.
They seem overly dependent on you
No matter how much attention you give, it never seems to be enough.
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They expect constant reassurance and become upset if you’re unavailable, making you feel like their emotional caretaker.
Their affection feels too intense
Love bombing often feels like a whirlwind romance – exciting, fast-paced, and overwhelming.
But relationships need balance, and if things feel too intense all the time, it may be a tactic to keep you emotionally hooked.
You feel anxious or uneasy
At first, it might feel like a fairytale, but over time, you may start feeling drained, anxious, or confused.
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If something feels “off” or too good to be true, trust your instincts – it probably is.
This article is based on information from Healthline.com.