Sometimes, a new relationship develops so quickly that it becomes difficult to understand whether it is true love or something else. In the beginning, everything seems like a movie: tons of messages, lots of attention, frequent surprises, and big gestures that make you feel special. But if you start to feel a little uneasy amidst this excessive love, it is important to ask yourself this question: could this be love bombing? Let us understand this.
Love bombing is a condition in which someone showers you with excessive love, attention, and gifts in order to quickly win your trust. At first, it sounds great, but the real purpose is control. Psychologists say it is a form of mental and emotional abuse, which often begins in the early stages of a relationship. Initially, the love bomber floods you with praise and attention. They constantly send messages, call, and crave your presence all the time. Often, within the first few weeks they start talking about the future, like marriage, moving in together, or that you two are made for each other. In the beginning, it seems romantic, but over time, it starts to feel like pressure.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are three major stages of love bombing. In the first stage, you are given so much love and attention that you become completely carefree; You feel safe. In the second phase, control is gradually introduced. There are expectations to be present at all times, attempts to isolate you from friends and family, and questions about your activities. Sometimes, it reaches to gaslighting, where you start doubting your own feelings. In the third stage, when you start setting boundaries, the partner either blames you or ends the relationship.
It is important to understand the difference between true love and love bombing. A healthy relationship respects your time, boundaries, and comfort. But the Love Bomber doesn’t accept your “no”. If you set a boundary and the other person argues against it, ignores it, or tries to make you feel guilty, it’s a clear sign that the relationship is going in the wrong direction. Some common signs of love bombing include: giving expensive gifts unnecessarily, rushing into the relationship, demanding constant attention, displaying jealous and controlling behavior, and violating your boundaries.
