Since getting beyond recognition, “love bombing” has become one of those things that’s all too easy to joke about to the tune of, “Love bombing wouldn’t work on me—I actually require outsize displays of attention, affection, and in order to sustain life.” Which, fair! Unfortunately, the uncomfortable reality remains that love bombing is, in fact, a dangerous manipulation tactic to which anyone (yes, even you) can fall prey. That’s because, like most manipulation tactics, love-bombing is literally designed to sneak up on you.
To look like paradise when it’s really a ticket to hell. “The love bomber may seem like the perfect match, but in reality, they are creating a false environment to look like they are the right person for you,” says Resident Relationship Expert . Meanwhile, here’s what’s really going on.
“Love bombing is characterized by excessive attention, admiration, and affection with the goal to make the recipient feel dependent and obligated to that person,” explains licensed therapist . The chilling tactic is often used by narcissists, abusers, and even cult leaders. What makes love bombing so confusing (and difficult to untangle oneself from) is that at first, it actually feels really good thanks to all the dopamine and endorphin boosts you get from the bomber’s and attention.
“You feel special, needed, loved, valuable, and worthy, which are all the components that contribute to and increase a person’s self-esteem,” Jackson say.