https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-love-bombing-5223611
So, how do you know if you're falling in love or living with a love bomber? Start asking yourself these questions to determine if your mental wellness is being adversely affected and you're being love-bombed:
- Is this person taking an extreme interest in your family, career, and hobbies?
- Is this person complimenting you and then criticizing you in the same breath—supposedly "for your own good?"
- Is this person constantly asking you where you are and then angry if you don't answer fast enough?
- Does this person make you feel comfortable? Or, are you nervous and it all feels like too much?
- Is this person narcissistic, i.e. lacking compassion for you and exhibiting self-aggrandizing behavior?
Take a few minutes and see if these red flags have appeared during your relationship. These examples will alert you to the fact that the person you're with is likely a master manipulator.
Here are specifics to look for:
- They ignore your time and schedule because narcissists are focused on their own needs.
- They offer over-the-top compliments and exaggerated flattery. They chillingly seem to know what you want to hear.
- In public and on social media, they like big displays of PDA (i.e., public display of affection). They like to manipulate the look of a perfect romance.
- If they give you lavish gifts, they'll hold them over you. They'll remind you of how much they've done for you and about expensive gifts they've given you, especially when you're exhibiting doubt.
- They need constant reassurance. If you don't answer a text, they'll blow up, maybe threaten you.
- You start to fear being punished and berated by them. You become uneasy in their company.
- Narcissists confuse you. They're insecure so they blame you and make issues seem like your fault.
- Because of gaslighting, you second-guess yourself and your reality as they slowly exert more control over you.
- Due to this emotional abuse, it's not uncommon to experience depression or anxiety.
- They isolate you from your family and friends so that you rely solely on them.