5 Signs They Might Not Truly Love You, but Love Bombing You

It’s the beginning of a relationship, where everything seems magical. A wave of compliments, gifts, and intense declarations of love seem normal and genuine. While in some cases these actions may be honest, in others people actually love bomb their partners. Being stuck in such a relationship can feel like walking toward a dead-end, so it’s crucial to know how to recognize it.

1. They can’t take “no” for an answer.

One of the clearest signs you’re dealing with a love bomber is when they just can’t take “no” for an answer. At first, it might seem flattering, as they’re persistent and determined to win your heart. But as time passes, it becomes suffocating. Every boundary you set is met with relentless persuasion, guilt-tripping, or even subtle manipulation.

Love bombers often don’t respect your space or your need for breathing room. Their affection isn’t about love, it’s about control. True love listens and respects, while love bombing steamrolls over your “no.”

2. They move things way too quickly.

In the whirlwind of a new romance, it’s easy to get swept off your feet. But if your partner is already talking about moving in together or planning a wedding within weeks or months of meeting, it might be more than just enthusiasm. It could be a red flag for love bombing. This tactic involves overwhelming someone with affection and grand gestures to quickly gain control over the relationship.

By rushing major commitments, a love bomber aims to create a sense of obligation and dependency before you’ve had a chance to truly know each other. Healthy relationships take time to build, with mutual respect for each other’s pace and boundaries. If you feel things are moving too fast, trust your instincts and communicate your need to slow down. Remember, genuine love grows steadily, not under pressure.

3. They try to isolate you.

In the early stages of a relationship, it’s natural to want to spend time together. However, if your partner begins to discourage you from seeing friends or family, or subtly criticizes your loved ones, it could be a red flag. This behavior is also a known sign of love bombing and involves overwhelming someone with affection and attention to gain control over them.

By isolating you from your support network, the love bomber makes you more dependent on them, which can lead to emotional manipulation and control.

4. They overexpress their love to you.

When someone tells you that “You’re my soulmate” or “I’ve never felt this way before” can feel exhilarating. However, when such intense declarations come too soon, they may be signs of love bombing, a manipulative tactic where someone overwhelms you with excessive affection and flattery to gain control.

This behavior often includes grand gestures, constant compliments, and rapid expressions of love that don’t align with the depth of the relationship. While it might seem romantic initially, the goal is to create a sense of dependency, making it harder for you to set boundaries or recognize red flags. Healthy love develops over time, allowing both partners to grow and build trust naturally.

5. They get you gifts from the very first date.

Who wouldn’t be flattered by surprise flowers, fancy dinners, or luxurious presents, right? Well, when these gestures come at breakneck speed early in a relationship, it’s worth pausing to reflect. This can be a classic sign of love bombing, where someone uses overwhelming generosity to make you feel special and dependent on them.

The aim is to create a sense of obligation, so it becomes harder for you to step back and see the relationship clearly. Remember, healthy love isn’t measured by the price tag, it’s built on mutual respect and understanding.

This is what true love looks like.

Recognizing the difference between true love and love bombing can help protect your emotional well-being and foster healthier relationships. So, it’s important to be able to tell the differences:

• Gradual Growth: True love unfolds over time, allowing feelings to deepen naturally without being rushed.
• Mutual Respect: Partners honor each other’s opinions, boundaries, and individuality.
• Trust & Security: There’s a sense of safety and honesty, with both partners feeling secure in the relationship.
• Open Communication: Both individuals feel comfortable sharing thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
• Healthy Boundaries: Personal space and independence are respected and encouraged.
• Realistic Expectations: Neither partner idealizes the other or expects perfection.
• Shared Growth: True love supports each other’s growth and encourages dreams and goals.
• Consistency & Reliability: Actions match words, and there’s reliability over time.
• Partnership & Equality: Decisions are made together, and responsibilities are shared fairly.
• Genuine Care & Support: Both partners prioritize each other’s well-being and happiness, offering support in both good times and challenges.

The line between green and red flags is often very thin, and we might have a hard time telling the difference. However, it’s good to know the problematic signs and stay away from a person who might want to control your entire life.