Love Bombing in 2025: 10 Key Signs and What It Costs Your Emotional Health

Love bombing is a manipulative strategy where someone overwhelms their romantic partner with excessive affection and attention to gain control. While early relationship excitement can feel thrilling, it’s crucial to differentiate genuine love from manipulative overindulgence.

At the start of a relationship, receiving abundant love and compliments can feel wonderful. However, love bombing is characterized by an intentional flood of loving words and grand gestures designed to manipulate and control.

Gabe Howard, host of Inside Bipolar, describes love bombing as giving someone all your attention immediately to 'bomb' them with affection.

Recognizing these behaviors doesn’t automatically mean your partner is toxic, but trusting your instincts is vital. If something feels off, it’s worth paying attention.

Love Bombing as Emotional Abuse

Love bombing is a form of emotional abuse. If you suspect you’re experiencing it, consider contacting support resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

• Call 1 (800) 799-7233
• TTY 1 (800) 787-3224
• Live chat available at www.thehotline.org

Lavish Gifts and Extravagant Gestures

Love bombers often express affection through excessive gifts and grand actions such as:

• Sending dozens of flowers to your workplace
• Purchasing costly plane tickets spontaneously
• Booking multiple expensive dinners consecutively
• Refusing to accept 'no' for an answer

While gifts can be thoughtful, overwhelming generosity is often a tactic to create a sense of obligation.

Licensed counselor Tabitha Westbrook notes that narcissists frequently use love bombing to draw in and control their partner.

Nonstop Compliments and Flattery

Frequent over-the-top compliments early in a relationship can be a warning sign. Phrases like:

• "I love everything about you."
• "You're perfect, unlike anyone I've ever met."
• "You're the only person I want to be with."

While compliments are normal, constant exaggerated praise can be a manipulation tool to gain trust and affection, explains therapist Shirin Peykar.

Constant Calls and Messages

Early relationship communication is expected, but if your partner’s texting or calling feels relentless and one-sided, it may be love bombing. Watch for messages that come early morning and every hour.

Demanding Your Full Attention

Love bombers often react negatively when you focus on others, such as friends or work. They may pout or refuse to leave, demanding all your time.

Westbrook emphasizes that genuine love respects your boundaries and commitments.

Claiming You’re Soulmates

Statements like "We were meant to be," or "We're soulmates," can sound romantic but may be unrealistic and manipulative. Real relationships don’t mirror Hollywood scripts.

Pressuring for Immediate Commitment

Love bombers rush serious commitments like marriage or moving in together, even if you've just met. Healthy relationships build trust and love gradually.

Disrespecting Boundaries

When you set limits, love bombers often react with frustration or anger, pushing to override your comfort. True partners honor your boundaries.

Protective Strategies Against Manipulation

• Recognize narcissistic patterns like love bombing, devaluation, and abandonment.
• Document interactions to spot inconsistencies and reduce gaslighting.
• Trust your feelings; discomfort often signals manipulation.
• Use the Grey Rock Method by staying emotionally neutral.
• Set clear boundaries without over-explaining and disengage when necessary.

Excessive Neediness

Love bombers demand constant attention and make you feel guilty for spending time with others. They create a sense of indebtedness to keep control.

Overwhelming Intensity

Their charm is relentless, and they pressure you to be available constantly. Real love is patient, kind, and respects your space.

Feeling Emotionally Unbalanced

Love bombing can feel intoxicating but also create anxiety and unease. Pay attention to your intuition to avoid being swept up in manipulative tactics.

Additional Support Resources

• Love is Respect: National dating abuse helpline offering support and education.
• One Love Foundation: Dedicated to ending relationship abuse.
• Dr. Ramani: Clinical psychologist specializing in healing from narcissistic abuse.

Final Thoughts

In new relationships, take your time and trust your instincts. Love should grow naturally, not be rushed by overwhelming gestures. If you suspect manipulation, reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals for guidance.

Cindy Lamothe is a freelance journalist focusing on health, wellness, and human behavior. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, New York Magazine, and The Washington Post. Visit cindylamothe.com for more.

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