It feels like a fairytale. You’ve met someone amazing, and the connection is electric. They shower you with attention, compliments, and gifts. In fact, they talk about your future together after only a few weeks. You feel seen and adored in a way you never have before. But is it too good to be true? This intense, overwhelming affection might not be love. Instead, it could be “love bombing,” a manipulation tactic used to gain control. For this reason, it’s important to recognize the signs you’re being love bombed to protect your heart.
The Affection Feels Overwhelming
Love bombing isn’t just a few nice compliments. On the contrary, it is a constant, suffocating flood of affection. You get “good morning” texts the moment you wake up and they call you all day long. They want to see you every single day. While this might feel flattering at first, it soon becomes overwhelming. It leaves you with little time for yourself or your friends. This isn’t attentiveness; it’s a strategy to make them the center of your universe.
They Lavish You with Expensive Gifts
It’s one thing to receive a thoughtful gift. However, it’s another to be showered with expensive presents early in a relationship. This can include jewelry, weekend getaways, or other extravagant items. These gifts aren’t about generosity. In reality, they are a tool to create a sense of obligation. You might feel like you “owe” them your time and affection in return. It’s a way for them to buy your loyalty before you’ve built a real connection.
The Relationship Moves Incredibly Fast
One of the clearest signs you’re being love bombed is the speed of the relationship. For instance, they might say “I love you” within the first week. They may also talk about moving in together or marriage after just a few dates. Healthy relationships, however, build slowly over time. They are based on mutual trust and shared experiences. A love bomber tries to fast-forward through this process because they want to lock you down before you see their true colors.
They Demand Constant Communication
A love bomber wants all of your attention. If you don’t reply to a text immediately, for example, they might get upset or worried. They may also question where you are or who you are with. They frame this as them caring about you deeply. But it’s really about control. They are monitoring your life and trying to isolate you. In contrast, healthy partners respect your need for space and your life outside of the relationship.
Put You on an Unrealistic Pedestal
They tell you that you’re perfect and the most amazing person they’ve ever met. They even say you’re their soulmate. While this feels wonderful, it’s also a major red flag. No one is perfect. By idealizing you, they are not seeing the real you. In addition, this sets you up for a fall. The moment you do something they don’t like—like setting a boundary—they may quickly become critical. The pedestal is a precarious place to be.
They Isolate You from Your Support System
A love bomber wants you all to themselves. So, they might subtly criticize your friends and family. They could say things like, “They don’t really appreciate you the way I do.” They might also create drama or demand all of your free time, making it difficult to see your loved ones. This isolation is strategic. If you are cut off from your support system, you are more dependent on them, which makes it much harder to leave.
True Love Is Built, Not Bombed
Recognizing the signs you’re being love bombed can be difficult, especially when you’re caught up in the romance. It certainly feels good to be adored. But true, healthy love is patient and respectful. It gives you space to be yourself; it does not demand or overwhelm. If a new relationship feels too intense, take a step back and breathe. Always trust your gut. A partner who truly cares will respect your need for boundaries and a healthy pace.
Have you ever experienced something like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
What to Read Next…
- How to Spot a Love-Bomber Before It’s Too Late
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- 7 Relationship Tactics Used on Women That Are Disguised as “Love”
- 10 Disguises of Manipulative Love—Are You Missing Them?
- 8 Common Family Phrases That Are Actually Emotionally Manipulative
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