February 2024- Love Bombing

Love bombing is often depicted as THE ultimate act of love in TV shows and movies, convincing an uninterested subject to fall for their overly attentive suitor. Despite what you may see on the big screen, love bombing also often violates and pushes boundaries with the goal of influencing and manipulating another person.

Love bombing is any attempt to change the mind or convince another person with over-the-top displays of attention and affection, often to hide or mask deeper levels of abuse and manipulation. This kind of manipulation is a form of emotional abuse, often seen in the early stages of a relationship.

Love bombing is characterized by excessive attention, admiration, and affection with the goal of making the other party feel dependent and obligated. It can be confusing and difficult to get away from, as it can often feel good to receive gifts and attention.

Love bombing can often be a precursor to emotional abuse. It is a core component of the cycle of abuse: the gifts, attention and affection can give way to controlling behaviours, accusations of infidelity, and other unacceptable behaviours. The love bomber might be unaware they are doing it, but that doesn’t make it acceptable.

Not all gifts or relationships are marred by love bombing. Some warning signs are: overly extravagant gifts (especially after a fight or very early in the relationship), obsessive flattery to a point that seems just “too much”, constant complimentary texting, and always expecting a quick reply. It is important to remember that you are allowed to set your own boundaries and stick to them.

If you think you’re experiencing love bombing or have additional questions about the signs, visit the websites below for more information or call the Nova Scotia provincial help line at 1-855-225-0220. Find your nearest THANS organization at www.thans.ca.