Love bombing is a tactic in which someone “bombs” you with extreme displays of attention and affection with the intent to manipulate you.
If you find yourself telling your friends your partner seems too good to be true, they just might be.
Why does love bombing feel so good? Well, love bombers sweep you off your feet. It’s nice to be flooded with dopamine, the feel-good chemical your brain releases.
These individuals are amazingly adept at finding those who are vulnerable. For example, they’ll prey on those who just got divorced, recently broke up with someone, or have low self-esteem.
While overly generous, it occurs over time. It feels natural compared to the controlling ways of a typical love bomber.
Know that you’re not alone. A study3on living with pathological narcissism found difficulties within the context of their close relationships.
Love bombing also happens in friendships and other relationships as well. But if you are being love-bombed by a romantic partner and find that the relationship is becoming more abusive, help is available.
Chronic manipulative behavior has been linked to people with attachment issues and mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder
Experiencing certain forms of abuse can cause someone to feel unsafe communicating their needs directly, making them susceptible to forming manipulative behaviors.
Although it may be challenging to recognize or prevent these behaviors—because you're not creating them—you can protect yourself from the fallout.