Love bombing sounds romantic at first—someone sweeps you off your feet, showers you with attention, and makes you feel like the most important person in the world. But when affection turns into control, it’s no longer love—it’s manipulation.
What Is Love Bombing?
Love bombing is an intense, overwhelming display of affection used to gain control over someone. It often involves:
Excessive flattery and gifts
Constant texting or calls
Rushing intimacy (“I’ve never felt this way before” within days of meeting)
Ignoring your boundaries
Making you feel obligated to match their intensity
Why Do People Love Bomb?
Love bombing is often a tactic used by narcissistic or manipulative individuals to create emotional dependency. By flooding you with affection, they make it hard for you to see red flags—until the manipulation starts.
Signs You’re Being Love Bombed
You feel overwhelmed by their affection. It’s not just sweet—it’s too much, too fast.
They guilt-trip you for setting boundaries. Saying no results in sulking, anger, or accusations of not caring enough.
They isolate you from others. They make you feel like “it’s just us against the world.”
They create dependency. Their intense love makes you feel like you need them.
Their behaviour shifts suddenly. The intense love may disappear, replaced by criticism or control.
How to Protect Yourself
Trust the Pace, Not the Words. Real love takes time to build.
Pay Attention to How They Handle Boundaries. A healthy partner respects your limits.
Stay Connected to Friends and Family. If they’re trying to isolate you, that’s a major red flag.
Notice If They Make You Feel Guilty for Needing Space. Love should feel safe, not suffocating.
Seek Support. If you’re unsure, a therapist can help you navigate the situation.
Love bombing isn’t love—it’s a manipulation tactic. Healthy relationships develop at a pace that feels safe, not overwhelming.