What is Love Bombing?

Have you ever met someone who showers you with attention, compliments, and affection right away? They text you constantly, call you their soulmate within days, and make big promises about your future together? It might feel amazing at first, like a fairytale. But be careful—this could be love bombing.

Love bombing is a manipulation tactic where someone overwhelms you with excessive affection, gifts, and praise to gain control over you. It’s often used by people with narcissistic tendencies or those looking to establish power in a relationship. Once they’ve got you hooked, the love and attention can quickly turn into control, criticism, or even emotional abuse.

Signs of Love Bombing

It can be hard to tell the difference between genuine affection and love bombing, but here are some red flags:

1. Excessive Compliments & Declarations of Love Too Soon – Saying “I love you” or calling you their soulmate within days or weeks of meeting.
2. Constant Attention & Communication – Texting or calling non-stop, getting upset if you don’t reply quickly.
3. Lavish Gifts & Grand Gestures – Expensive presents, extravagant dates, or over-the-top romantic gestures that feel overwhelming.
4. Fast-Paced Relationship – Pushing for commitment quickly, like moving in together or meeting their family way too soon.
5. Isolation from Friends & Family – Discouraging you from spending time with others, making you feel guilty for wanting space.
6. Extreme Mood Swings – Being incredibly affectionate one moment and distant or critical the next.
7. Guilt-Tripping & Control – Making you feel bad for setting boundaries or doing things independently.

What a Healthy Relationship Looks Like

A healthy relationship should feel safe, balanced, and supportive. Here’s what that looks like:

• Respect for Boundaries – Your partner respects your personal space, decisions, and friendships.
• Mutual Effort – Love and effort are given equally, without pressure or manipulation.
• Trust & Independence – You both trust each other without constant check-ins or control.
• Healthy Communication – You feel comfortable expressing your feelings, and your partner listens and responds with care.
• Emotional Stability – Love and affection remain consistent, without extreme highs and lows.

What to Do if You Think You’re Being Love Bombed

If you suspect you’re being love bombed, here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Take a Step Back – Slow things down and pay attention to how they react. A healthy partner will respect your need for space.
2. Talk to Someone You Trust – Get an outside perspective from a friend, family member, or Counsellor.
3. Set Boundaries – Be clear about what you’re comfortable with. If they react negatively, that’s a red flag.
4. Look for Consistency – Real love grows over time. Pay attention to whether their words match their actions.
5. Trust Your Gut – If something feels off, don’t ignore it.

Love bombing can be confusing because it feels so good at first, but real love isn’t about overwhelming intensity—it’s about trust, respect, and emotional stability. If you ever feel like something is too good to be true, take a step back and evaluate. You deserve a relationship that makes you feel secure and valued, not controlled or manipulated.