Love Bombing: 6 Signs and Why It’s Dangerous

Every relationship usually begins with an initial phase of intense charm, compliments and seemingly unconditional love. You can be showered with gifts, compliments and constant communication and believe that you are in the perfect romantic relationship. But behind this facade, if your lover has a manipulative agenda, you are likely to be love bombed! Never heard of that word, huh? Well, love bombing happens when a person showers excessive love and affection on someone to influence their partner’s actions and reactions. Sometimes, being showered with love feels like being pampered. But love bombing is a type of negative strategy that doesn’t give the other person a chance to grow and be independent.

What is love bombing?

Love bombing is a manipulative tactic in which one person lavishes excessive affection, attention, and affection on another. It is often used to gain control or influence over the other person’s feelings and decisions.

Love bombing can be a red flag for a potentially abusive or controlling relationship. It is generally considered unhealthy as it mobilizes unbalanced energy and leads to emotional dependence, says consultant psychiatrist, sexologist and relationship expert Dr Pavana S.

What are the signs of love bombing?

Love bombs can manifest in different ways. Here are the signs of a love bombing:

1. High attention and communication

The person may bombard you with texts, calls, and emails, often expressing strong feelings very early in the relationship. They may insist on constant communication and get upset or worried if you don’t reply right away.

Also read

2. Excessive gifts and gestures

They may shower you with lavish gifts, take you on extravagant dates, or make grand gestures that may seem inappropriate considering the stage of your relationship. While gift giving isn’t inherently bad, the intensity and frequency is a sign of love bombing.

3. Speeding up the relationship

A love bomber is often quick to push for serious commitment. They may talk about moving in together, getting married, or making other long-term plans. This rush is their way of securing your attachment before you have time to really understand each other.

4. Constant flattery

They shower you with compliments and compliments, which may seem extravagant or hypocritical. This could be a tactic to lower your defenses and make you more emotionally dependent on them for validation, the expert says.

5. Isolation from friends and family

Love bombers often try to monopolize your time and discourage you from spending time with others, or speak badly of your friends and family in an attempt to isolate you, making you more dependent on them.

6. Changing emotions

If you throw out hints about pulling back or questioning the relationship, they can go from overly loving to overly emotional or threatening. This emotional manipulation is intended to keep you close and may include guilt, playing the victim, or making dramatic declarations of love or threats of self-harm.

Is love bombing bad?

It is important to recognize that love bombing is not a sign of true love or affection. Rather, it is a warning sign of potential emotional dependence, manipulation and abuse. Healthy relationships grow gradually and are based on mutual respect, understanding and healthy boundaries.