Love bombing is an emotional manipulation tactic that can be hard to recognize initially but can seriously affect your mental health and relationships. This blog post will help you understand what love bombing is, how it starts, its connection with gaslighting, why it’s unhealthy, the signs of a love bomber, and how to handle such situations.
What is Love Bombing?
Love bombing is a manipulative strategy where someone showers you with excessive affection, attention, compliments, and gifts at the beginning of a relationship. The intention behind this isn’t genuine love or affection but rather to control and manipulate you.
The Beginning of Love Bombing
Love bombing usually starts in the early stages of a relationship. The love bomber will go all out to win you over, making grand gestures, giving extravagant gifts, and being overly attentive. They often move the relationship forward quickly, declaring their love before they truly know you.
Is Love Bombing the same as Gaslighting?
While love bombing and gaslighting are different tactics, they often coexist in manipulative relationships. Love bombing is used to create a sense of dependency and to control the victim. In contrast, gaslighting distorts the victim’s reality and makes them question their own perceptions and sanity.
What Happens When You Try to Stop It?
When you try to set boundaries or slow things down, a love bomber may become defensive, angry, or even more manipulative. They might guilt-trip you, play the victim, or escalate their behaviour to regain control.
The Impact of Love Bombing
Love bombing is unhealthy because it’s a form of emotional manipulation. It creates an imbalanced power dynamic in the relationship, leaving the recipient feeling controlled and confused. It can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Signs You Are Dating a Love Bomber
- Recognizing the signs of a love bomber is crucial to protect yourself. Some signs include:
- Rushing Intimacy: They declare their love for you very quickly, often before getting to know you well.
- Constant Communication: They want to be in touch constantly and get upset if you don’t respond immediately.
- Over-the-Top Gestures: They shower you with lavish gifts and compliments, often without any special occasion.
- Manipulation: When you establish boundaries, they manipulate you into feeling guilty or unreasonable.
How to Handle a Love Bomber
If you suspect you’re being love bombed, here are a few steps to take:
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.
- Set Boundaries: Make your expectations clear, and don’t allow them to rush the relationship.
- Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional about your concerns.
- Protect Yourself: If the behaviour continues, consider ending the relationship.
Remember, everyone deserves a healthy and respectful relationship. Don’t let love bombing cloud your judgment or control your life.
Concerned about the possibility of a lover bomber in your relationship? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Seek help from our experts at Startpoint Counselling. Our specialist counsellors are here to guide you and help you make the decisions that will lead to the best outcome for you. If you and your partner are willing, there’s a chance to restore your relationship for mutual benefit. Call us now for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation and discover how we can assist you. Dial 3458 1725 or click the button below to schedule your free call with one of our experienced counsellors and start your journey towards a better relationship.
You’ll be amazed how counselling can change your life
You will find that talking with StartPoint Counselling Beenleigh is your starting point for happy relationships and mental wellbeing.
StartPoint Counselling Practice is conveniently located in Beenleigh, close to Logan, Mt Warren Park, Stapylton, Homeview, Waterford, Loganholme and Yatala areas. However, we also offer phone and telehealth consultations for your convenience. See more about Booking Appointments here.
We offer a 15-minute complimentary phone session with one of our experienced counsellors. Find out how we can equip you to live the life that you choose.
