by Amy Jones
In my last article, I described finding a new love and how wonderful it felt. A new relationship is exciting and brings hope, promise, and new experiences. After experiencing many bad relationships, I believed this new one had potential. At first, everything seemed perfect. We discovered we had much in common, our circumstances were similar, and we both felt a sense of comfort and ease, a natural ebb and flow. There was an understanding of our schedules, making time for each other, and establishing an open line of communication. This felt good! This felt right!
Intent on not controlling the situation, I focused on my feelings. I thought creating a new experience with this new love would provide both of us with a fresh start. After a short period, he declared his love for me; recognizing “it was too soon, but he just couldn’t help it”. He revealed intimate details about his past, saying it was important to be completely transparent. He explained that love was withheld from him growing up and in his marriage. His revelations and vulnerability touched my heart.
Too Much, Too Soon, Too Fast?
Despite the situation initially feeling “right”, the declaration of love coming so soon made me a little uncomfortable. Was I uncomfortable because of the circumstances, or because feelings were surfacing? I wanted to believe he was “the one”. He said all the right things. In past relationships, I found loving statements often were not validated by actions, which I tended to overlook. This time, I decided to allow things to unfold at their own pace while I quietly observed, determined not to ignore warning signals as I had in the past.
Empty Words
I invited my new guy to accompany me on a previously planned trip to Mexico, thinking it was a great opportunity to learn more about his personality and intentions. I noticed some cautionary pink flags leading up to the trip; his words promised action, but there was no follow-up. For example, he said he would cover some of the upcoming costs for the vacation knowing I paid for the room already – but he did not. This was one warning signal that reminded me to pay attention to other things that might be off.
Being together for 10 days was revealing. By remaining an objective observer, to the extent I was able given the situation, I began to see the relationship for what it was. Something nagged at me during the trip; it wasn’t quite right. I became increasingly aware his words were empty with no substance. He spoke about love often and with conviction, but his behavior was inconsistent.
His proclamation of love played on my feelings and desire to be in a relationship. He made endearing comments at all the right times, and I believed him – because I wanted to believe him. Fortunately, as the pink flags turned red, I realized we were not meant to be. Actions speak louder than words.
Upon returning home and ending the relationship, I spoke with a friend who had a similar experience. I would soon discover the meaning of Love Bombing.
The Definition of Love Bombing
From Wikipedia: Love bombing is an attempt to influence a person by demonstrations of attention and affection. It can be used in different ways and can be used for either a positive or negative purpose. Psychologists have identified love bombing as a possible part of a cycle of abuse and have warned against it. One of the signs of love bombing at the start of a relationship is much attention in a short time, and pressure for very rapid commitment. It is often the first sign of narcissism, and if successful turns to control and degradation.
Excessive attention and affection do not constitute love bombing if there is no intent or pattern of further abuse. The key to understanding how love bombing differs from romantic courtship is to look at what happens next after two people are officially a couple. If extravagant displays of affection continue indefinitely, if actions match words, and there is no devaluation phase, then it’s probably not love bombing.
Characteristics of Love Bombers
- They move very quickly into an exclusive relationship.
- They say they want to learn about you over time, yet don’t ask many questions. Caution: If they don’t ask questions, they don’t really want to know you.
- They include you in their future plans to give you a false sense of security. If they sense you are withdrawing from the relationship, they begin to talk about plans again.
- They treat you differently in public vs. when you are alone.
- They use sex as a way to keep you emotionally involved.
- They are magnificent at wining and dining in the beginning which declines once they feel they have you ensnared in the relationship.
11 Lessons I Learned from the Love Bomber
The first 90 days are an observation period.
Learn as much as possible and don’t guarantee exclusivity in this time frame.
Feel feelings, stay in the moment, and pay attention to gut instinct.
Your gut will notify you about pink flags and behaviors that require attention as the relationship progresses.
Ensure that actions follow words.
Words are easy, but actions take more effort.
Take a short road trip in the first 30 days of the relationship.
Traveling with someone for some time reveals A LOT about their personality.
Women bond more quickly than men after sex.
Intimacy is not a good idea unless you are both ready to take your relationship to the next level.
Recognize when someone seems to move too quickly into an exclusive relationship.
If it doesn’t feel comfortable, it’s probably too soon.
Pay attention to how you are treated in public vs. in private.
Are you treated the same way?
When something seems off, take the position of an observer.
If you told a friend about the situation, what would they tell you?
Be very clear with yourself about your wants and needs in a relationship.
Define them and refer to them often.
Define deal-breakers and must-haves.
Keep this list handy and don’t break these promises you’ve made to yourself.
Watch for consistency in the relationship.
Know in advance how you will respond or react to inconsistency. If you are being wined and dined in the beginning and it declines, what is your next step?
Yes, I Was Love Bombed!
It wasn’t until I had ample time to process what happened that I realized this relationship was similar to the dating experience that led to my marriage. A lot of us repeat unhealthy patterns – that’s the bad news. The good news is that once we recognize them, we can choose to stop making the same mistakes.
This situation provided me with valuable insights, which I consider a gift. I can be vulnerable with someone and that does not make me weak or needy. I do not owe anyone an explanation, nor do I feel guilty when I do not provide one. While compromise is necessary in a relationship, I do not have to give up something particularly meaningful to me. Honoring my intuition is necessary and important.
When something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
FAQs About Love Bombing
Have you been love bombed? It’s a difficult behavior to understand, not to mention disappointing. Here are some commonly asked questions we hear from readers about love bombing.
Why do people engage in love bombing?
People might use love bombing as a manipulation tactic to gain control over their partner or to elicit a strong emotional attachment. It can be a way to make the other person feel obligated or indebted, making them more likely to comply with the manipulator’s desires.
How can you recognize if you’re being love bombed?
Signs of love bombing include rapid and intense declarations of love, constant communication and attention, extravagant gifts or gestures, wanting to spend all of their time with you, and a lack of personal boundaries. It often feels overwhelming and too good to be true.
Is love bombing always intentional?
While love bombing is often deliberate, there can be cases where someone genuinely feels strong emotions at the beginning of a relationship and expresses them intensely. However, even if unintentional, excessive intensity in a relationship can still lead to imbalances and complications.
What are the potential negative effects of being love bombed?
Being love bombed can lead to a false sense of security and intimacy. It can also make it difficult to accurately gauge the other person’s intentions or character. Once the love bomber achieves their goals, they may suddenly change their behavior, leading to confusion, emotional distress, and a sense of betrayal.
How can you protect yourself from love bombing?
To protect yourself from love bombing, take time to get to know someone before becoming too emotionally invested. Maintain your personal boundaries and independence. Pay attention to red flags, such as someone pushing for commitment very quickly or not respecting your need for space.
Can love bombing happen in different types of relationships?
A: Yes, love bombing can occur in various types of relationships, including romantic relationships, friendships, and even within families. It’s a manipulation tactic that can be used by anyone seeking to gain control or advantage over another person.
How can you end a relationship that involves love bombing?
Ending a relationship involving love bombing might be challenging due to the intense emotions involved. It’s important to prioritize your well-being and emotional health. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed. Be clear and firm in your decision to end the relationship and consider limiting contact to avoid further manipulation.
Is love bombing considered a form of emotional abuse?
Yes, love bombing is often considered a form of emotional abuse because it involves manipulation, control, and the exploitation of someone’s emotions. It can have serious psychological and emotional consequences for the victim, leading to confusion, self-doubt, and long-term emotional trauma.
About the Author: Amy Jones
Amy Jones is a midlife coach, author, and international speaker. Everyone has a story to tell and a book inside them. Once we let go of the stories that aren’t true, we feel relieved, empowered, accomplished, unburdened, and validated. That’s how Jones felt once she told her true story of surviving cancer and overcoming emotional trauma and abuse.
She’s had the highs, the lows, the scars, the bruises, the highlights, and the low lights that she can now reflect on this ever-evolving journey of life we are on. Amy’s passion has always been helping people and being of service. Through her trials and triumphs, as well as the experiences of her clients, Amy’s goal is to help people build a life just like she’s done; a life they love waking up to every morning feeling anything is possible.
Pick up one of Jones’ books: Better for Being Broken or Break Through – or visit TheAmyJones.com when you are ready to revive your life and write your story.
