This article was co-authored by Allen Wagner, MFT, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano. Allen Wagner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, California. After working as a therapist at the Children’s Bureau and Penny Lane Centers, he opened his own practice in 2008. Allen works with both individuals and couples and has 20 years of experience as a therapist. Allen specializes in helping clients improve their relationships, assisting people in managing life transitions, improving communication in all environments, and identifying realistic and positive goals. Alongside his wife Talia Wagner, he authored the book "Married Roommates". He received an MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Film and Creative Writing from the University of Arizona.
There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Does your partner lash out, only to apologize with extravagant gifts? Or are you getting cold feet in a new relationship because your partner showers you with constant praise? Maybe you're even guilty of obsessing over your own significant other. These scenarios are all signs of "love bombing," which puts a strain on relationships. To help you spot these tactics, we’ve compiled expert-backed strategies to recognize and protect yourself from love bombing, as well as tips on how to stop doing it yourself. Read on to pave the way toward a healthier dynamic.
Things You Should Know
- Love bombing is a type of emotional manipulation that’s often used by narcissists to overwhelm you with affection and attention so you become dependent on them.
- If your partner seems to “need” you, says they can’t live without you, and goes out of their way to impress you with praise, it’s a sign you’re being love bombed.
- Prevent love bombing by asking your partner to slow down if they’re rushing in the relationship and by clearly stating your boundaries, like a need for space.
- Avoid love bombing someone by allowing a relationship to naturally develop and by asking your partner if they feel comfortable with the way you express affection.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about love bombing, check out our in-depth interview with Allen Wagner, MFT, MA.
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201804/love-bombing-narcissists-secret-weapon
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/love-bombing
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-narcissist-in-your-life/202009/5-ways-set-boundaries-narcissist
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/pro/recovery-expert/2018/01/what-to-expect-after-leaving-your-narcissist-and-going-no-contact
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/narcissistic-personality-disorder.htm
- ↑ https://www.healthcentral.com/sex-and-relationships/what-is-love-bombing?legacy=psycom
- ↑ https://www.ny.gov/teen-dating-violence-awareness-and-prevention/what-does-healthy-relationship-look
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toxic-relationships/201810/red-flags-and-blind-spots-in-dating-narcissist
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/relationships/sex-love-and-all-of-the-above-love-bombing#Now-what?
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toxic-relationships/201904/how-leave-narcissist-or-toxic-relationship
- ↑ https://www.talkspace.com/mental-health/conditions/articles/narcissistic-abuse-recover-heal/
- ↑ https://www.rewire.org/love-bomber/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toxic-relationships/201811/all-you-should-know-about-narcissistic-love-bombing
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sense-and-sensitivity/201310/stop-the-narcissist-relationship-cycle