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 4, 2025
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I mean, generally, it can mean a lot of things but sometimes it means like wishing you the best or like you’re sending positive energy towards them like to send love is to send Care and try to share that you have the best of intentions for them and that you encourage them.
Like if we’re all energetic or spiritual beings to send love is to like say like I want to like send you some positivity too. It really just means I care about you. I want the best for you.
Also, it could mean spiritually in that moment I’m with you at least for a second.
Typically used when you’re not like in the same space but you could spiritually send love to someone at any point of the day…
Like if we’re all energetic or spiritual beings to send love is to like say like I want to like send you some positivity too. It really just means I care about you. I want the best for you.
Also, it could mean spiritually in that moment I’m with you at least for a second.
Typically used when you’re not like in the same space but you could spiritually send love to someone at any point of the day…
by TheMiaAmore August 17, 2025
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That guy spent the whole of our date pushing his Love the truth bomb mantra, what was he trying to prove? Get me to buy into one of his get rich schemes, by using soft mushy words.
by BudgieMuscle1 August 25, 2025
Get the Love the truth bomb mug.I love you as in... Something you hold very extremely dearest in your heart and will risk anything for. Go to no matter the storm and consequences. Willing sacrifice anything for because you value something so highly. Hope nothing will ever happen to what is like your universe as if saying it means the world to you. Like extremely loyal until ends have met their final limitations. Maybe including willing to fight for. But though maybe love is not a fight. So, you simply say "I love you." If you love it... Let it go to set it free. If you love it. Well, hold on to it tight like a hug. Example: Keep your memories and whatever. Note: I know the meaning of those 3 words entirely. I would hope if you have any love at all, you would too.
Love!
by DragonPrincess August 28, 2025
Get the Love mug.Something you hold very extremely dear as maybe extremely loyal and travel to like to the ends of universe or whatever such as no matter the storm regardless the distance including if it's unmeasurable infinite distance. Hold on like precious or let go to set it free out of care. Cherish like it's your treasure. Give it your all for. Though it's not a fight but worth everything you have.
Love that's mine is...
by DragonPrincess August 28, 2025
Get the Love mug.When someone holds the love handles at the bottom of your triceps instead of the traditional love handle.
I'm holding him through the Cincinnati love handle instead of his traditional love handles. Man let me tell you that it sparked joy, holding his arm instead of his torso!
by Grow Up Saturdays August 29, 2025
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