What Is Love Bombing? 10 Examples Of This Covert Emotional Abuse

Any form of manipulation is devastating, but some are more difficult to notice and acknowledge than others, and unfortunately, love bombing falls into that category. When we meet someone with whom we instantly click, we are often blindsided by the attention and affection they smother us with. Now, I don’t want to tar everyone with the same brush, but in my experience, if someone I was dating seemed too good to be true, that often turned out to be the case… That’s right, although I believed I was in a healthy relationship, the reality was completely the opposite. After all, how could my kind and loving ex be ill-intentioned? He was, at the time, the nicest guy I’d ever met! Love bombers are in a league of their own when it comes to manipulation, which explains why people with narcissistic personality disorders are frequently guilty of wrecking their victim’s mental health in such an unforgiving way.

10 Signs you are a victim of love bombing

Discover the biggest indications of this toxic covert abuse.

1) Your partner pays you hundreds of compliments

Now, compliments are great at any stage of a relationship, but when you are constantly being bombarded with them, this is definitely a red flag. Narcissists typically use compliments in an attempt to influence their victims and to ultimately make them reliant on them. In the long term, a narcissist wants their prey to look for their approval on every matter of their life, and will do this by becoming the principal influencer when it comes to their self-confidence and assurance.

2) You get endless calls and texts

This is a warning sign to watch out for in any realm of life, but especially when it comes to dating. Now, we are all constantly hooked on social media for example, yet that doesn’t mean inundating someone with calls and messages is okay. This goes for seemingly cute messages too!

>>> Find out if a narcissist can be faithful.

3) You are often lavished with gifts

Let’s face it, who doesn’t love being spoiled from time to time? The problem is, when buying gifts becomes a habit, things can take a turn towards toxicity because when the pure sentiments aren’t there, it’s as if your partner wants to buy you. In other words, gifts can be used as emotional blackmail.

4) Your partner always wants to be around you

This is perhaps one of the most obvious signs of love bombing out there, yet despite it seeming blatant, it can be misconstrued, as deemed as adorable instead of controlling. Now, spending time with your partner is great, but it’s equally important to maintain your own life too. After all, even when we are taken, we all need time alone.

5) Your man wants to move very quickly

If your boyfriend tells you he loves you after 2 weeks, then alarm bells ought to be ringing at a deafening volume!!!

6) He wears away at your boundaries

Having boundaries is essential in love, and if someone tries to break them down and encourages you to cast them to one side, you need to head for the hills. Even if your partner is all sweetness and light with you, you should NEVER in any circumstance have to set aside your principles and beliefs.

7) You feel pressured to act the way they want you to

Many love bombers try to impose their own standards on their victims and often pressurize them to live up to their requirements. In reality, it’s as if they have created a relentless mold and are prepared to bully their partner into it. Yes, you’ve probably already guessed that they consider their partners are their playthings.

8) Communicating with your SO is always so intense

In my experience, I always felt extremely drained after the simplest of conversations with my ex. He would always make things so complicated to the point where I felt like I was constantly being backed into a corner and obliged to defend my point of view.

>>> Discover the power of positive communication in relationships

9) They say what you want to hear

Love bombers and narcissists are the biggest sweet talkers out there and trust me, they will literally say anything to get their own way, no matter how ludicrous it is. They’ll promise you the earth and so much more, but unfortunately, everything they say is based on a lie...

10) The PDA often goes overboard

The hugs, the kisses, and the handholding are all just a bit much, right? Being affectionate is one thing, but piling on the PDA at any given moment is unhealthy and a little intimidating too, especially when it feels forced and unnatural.

What to do if someone is love bombing you? - 5 Strategies to handle the abuse

We are all fairly receptive to flattery and when we are showered with gifts and compliments over a significant amount of time, we start to lower our guard and become blissfully unaware of our manipulator’s true intentions. Although, when we cotton onto them, there are ways to take back control.

• 1) Refuse the gifts - Make it clear that you don’t need to be spoiled 24/7. You are an independent woman and if you want something, you’ll buy it for yourself.
• 2) Explain your concerns - Communication is the most important part of any relationship, so don’t hold back and be sure to share what you feel.
• 3) Establish boundaries - Setting ground rules will certainly help you figure out whether it’s true love.
• 4) Catch them off guard - When they are least expecting it, ask them to point out one of your flaws, and then analyze their reaction and response. No matter how much they feel for you, they can’t love every single thing about you.
• 5) Don’t let them become clingy - Maintaining friendships outside your relationship will ensure your support system remains steady.

The aftermath of love bombing: recognizing the emotional damage

When the love bombing phase ends, victims often find themselves in an emotional wasteland. The sudden withdrawal of attention and affection can leave deep psychological scars that take years to heal. This dramatic shift from intense adoration to indifference or even hostility is particularly devastating because victims are left questioning their own worth.

Many survivors report feeling addicted to the initial rush of attention. This emotional dependency is precisely what love bombers aim to create, making it incredibly difficult for victims to break free. The intensity of the beginning stages creates a powerful psychological bond that can keep people trapped in toxic relationships.

Breaking the cycle: healing from love bombing trauma

Recovery from love bombing requires understanding that the initial intensity wasn't genuine love. True affection develops gradually and respects personal boundaries, unlike the overwhelming tsunami of attention that love bombers deploy. Acknowledging this difference is the first step toward healing.

Support systems play a crucial role in recovery. Friends and family who witnessed the love bombing phase can help validate the victim's experience and provide perspective on the manipulation that occurred. Their insights often help survivors recognize patterns they might have missed while caught in the whirlwind.

Protecting yourself in future relationships

Learning to date again after experiencing love bombing requires a delicate balance. While it's important to remain open to love, developing a strong radar for red flags becomes essential. Healthy relationships progress at a natural pace, allowing both parties to maintain their individuality.

Trust your instincts when something feels off. If someone's attention feels overwhelming rather than nurturing, it's okay to step back and reassess the situation. Remember that genuine love doesn't require you to compromise your boundaries or lose yourself in another person.

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