You’re in a new relationship, and this relationship feels much different than all the others. It’s fast, it’s sexy, it’s…perfect?
Part of you is nervous about moving so quickly, but another part of you can’t deny how amazing it all is. Have you found true love or is your new partner bombing you? What is love bombing in the context of narcissistic relationships?
Here are the most important warning signs you should know.
- They are constantly calling you
How often does your new partner call or text you? Does the relationship seem one-sided, where they seem to communicate with you more than you respond? When you respond, do they get back to you immediately?
Your love-bombing partner makes you his top priority. They want you to feel special and loved, but it’s also because they feel obsessed with you. They hope that continued interaction will make you feel the same way.
- They want to spend every moment with you
Falling in love is a good thing – there’s no doubt about that. When we feel attracted to someone, the body releases pleasure neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin to make us feel connected.
So, it makes sense that you would want to receive those constant hits of ecstasy. But most people also have a rational side. They know the benefits of taking things slowly. They realize the importance of getting to know each other over time.
However, if your partner wants to spend every moment with you — without any regard for the rest of your schedule — you’re probably experiencing love bombing.
- They start deep, very personal conversations
It’s natural to want to learn more about each other as the relationship develops. But the love bomber seems to want to know everything about you very quickly. It’s as if they want to read into your soul before you even know each other’s birthdays!
This desire for closeness is not real. This person simply wants to know your vulnerabilities and traumas. Later, they will likely exploit these weaknesses against you.
- They praise you nonstop
You are beautiful. you are amazing. You are the best person they have ever met.
Flattery sounds great, but it can also be overwhelming. After all, you can’t get rid of that annoying part of you that says, you don’t know me yet!
Love bombing is a form of abuse that narcissists often use to get closer to others. They know that praise makes people feel loved. As a result, they will take it to the next level.
- They express concern for your loved ones
Love bombing can be very insidious because it often appears merciful and generous.
For example, a narcissist may share with you how concerned they are about how your mother’s behavior affected you. At first, you might assume that they care deeply about your well-being. But in reality, they may just be trying to triangulate your family and isolate you from your support system.
- They insult all their exes
We all have problems with past relationships. That’s why they are in the past!
But if your partner can’t stop criticizing their ex or can’t stop gloating about how different you are from them, pay attention! This is not a form of flattery. Instead, this toxic pattern likely means that they take no personal responsibility for the role they play in their relationships.
It’s also a sneaky way to get some initial grooming. If he tells you all the things he doesn’t like about his ex, like how he complains all the time, this may make you bite your tongue when his behaviors become unclear.
- They shower you with gifts
Is your new partner hinting at buying you a car? Do they shower you with expensive jewelry or surprise you with flowers every week at work?
Small gifts are an important part of showing affection. But if these gestures are excessive, they are often a sign of control. They want to prove how good a partner they will be. They also want you to feel indebted for their generosity.
- There is a sense of secrecy
Although your partner may have no problem expressing his intense feelings for you, he may seem more withdrawn toward others. They may ask you to keep your relationship secret at first.
This can happen for two reasons. First, it might mean they’re not committed to you (despite what they want you to believe). Second, part of them knows that their behavior is irrational, and they don’t want others to point it out!
- They reveal a lot of trauma
Of course, some crises may certainly be real. But does it look like they might be exaggerating some of the shock? Does it seem like they just want your sympathy or sympathy? Some shocks are exaggerated.
Your partner may keep talking about his past in an attempt to pretend to be closer to you. Additionally, if they are bombarding you with love, they will also make statements about you being the only one who truly listens or understands. It’s normal for these statements to put you in an uncomfortable position where you feel like you have to be there for them unconditionally.
- They want reassurance and validation excessively
Besides all the compliments, compliments, and gifts, love throwers want one thing more than anything else: your attention. They want to know that you are there for them, even when their true colors start to show.
Therefore, they will test your loyalty often. For example, they will make comments about how they are not good enough for you. Or they will sympathize with how everyone always abandons them.
Even if they believe these statements to be true, they are looking for validation. But no matter how much you convince them, it will never be enough.
- They use words like “soulmate” and “forever.”
Falling in love is a complicated process. Once the initial attraction fades, it’s natural for couples to need time to adjust to the new relationship.
So, it doesn’t make sense for someone to know that they will be with you forever. This new person doesn’t even know who you are yet.
- They show clear or hidden signs of jealousy
Bombshell people feel entitled to have access to their partners whenever they want. They seek control and power in the relationship.
Spending time with other people or engaging in other hobbies will trigger their toxic jealousy. They may make subtle, aggressive comments like Oh, well, I was looking forward to having dinner together. Or they might be more direct and say, “But I want to spend the night with you.” Can you reschedule with them?
- They pressure you to commit
The love bomber wants to secure the relationship quickly. They feel threatened by fear of reconsidering their motives or pursuing other options.
So, they may ask you to move in with them after a few weeks of being together. Or they’ll propose too quickly – long before marriage prospects are seriously discussed between the two of you.
This pressure to commit can be both internal and external. You don’t want to feel guilty for hurting their feelings. At the same time, they don’t hide how “interested” they are in the relationship. This is because they know that once you are in a shared residence with them, things will be more difficult for you when you start seeing their true colors.