Love bombing is a manipulative tactic commonly used by predators, abusers, and manipulators (including cult leaders, narcissists, and toxic partners) to gain rapid control over a victim by overwhelming them with excessive affection, attention, flattery, and gifts.
The stages of love bombing can be:
They bypass natural boundaries by making the victim feel like they’re in a fairy tale. Victims feel like they've found a soulmate or someone who finally gets them.
The dopamine rush from all the attention can make someone crave the love bomber’s presence or approval, just like a drug.
Once the victim is hooked, the predator begins to shift behavior: controlling, gaslighting, or isolating them from friends and family.
After the victim is emotionally invested, the love bombing stops abruptly, replaced by criticism, manipulation, or silent treatment. Victims then chase the initial affection, blaming themselves for its disappearance.
The stages of love bombing can be:
They bypass natural boundaries by making the victim feel like they’re in a fairy tale. Victims feel like they've found a soulmate or someone who finally gets them.
The dopamine rush from all the attention can make someone crave the love bomber’s presence or approval, just like a drug.
Once the victim is hooked, the predator begins to shift behavior: controlling, gaslighting, or isolating them from friends and family.
After the victim is emotionally invested, the love bombing stops abruptly, replaced by criticism, manipulation, or silent treatment. Victims then chase the initial affection, blaming themselves for its disappearance.
Person A:
Hey… can I ask you something kind of weird?
Person B
Of course. What’s up?
Person B:
So, I’ve been seeing this guy for like a week, and he’s already telling me he loves me. He texts constantly, buys me stuff, even said he could see us getting married. Is that… normal?
Person B:
Honestly? That sounds like love bombing.
Person A:
Love bombing?
Person B:
Yeah, it’s when someone overwhelms you with affection and attention early on to hook you in. It feels romantic at first, but it’s actually about control.
Person A:
Oh wow. I thought I was just overthinking it. I mean, it did feel nice at first, but now it’s a bit… too much. Like, if I don’t respond right away, he gets weirdly quiet or passive-aggressive.
Person B:
Classic sign. They make you feel special, then punish you when you don’t feed into it. That intensity isn’t love - it’s manipulation.
Hey… can I ask you something kind of weird?
Person B
Of course. What’s up?
Person B:
So, I’ve been seeing this guy for like a week, and he’s already telling me he loves me. He texts constantly, buys me stuff, even said he could see us getting married. Is that… normal?
Person B:
Honestly? That sounds like love bombing.
Person A:
Love bombing?
Person B:
Yeah, it’s when someone overwhelms you with affection and attention early on to hook you in. It feels romantic at first, but it’s actually about control.
Person A:
Oh wow. I thought I was just overthinking it. I mean, it did feel nice at first, but now it’s a bit… too much. Like, if I don’t respond right away, he gets weirdly quiet or passive-aggressive.
Person B:
Classic sign. They make you feel special, then punish you when you don’t feed into it. That intensity isn’t love - it’s manipulation.
by definitely not emir August 04, 2025