Narcissistic Love Bombing:

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Narcissistic love bombing begins the narcissist’s relationship cycle, when they showers a potential partner (“victim”) with excessive attention, affection, gifts, or compliments. They seem like a perfect mate in how they make the victim feel special, safe, heard, and valued. They might declare love even after a short time of dating. While such intense adoration generates attraction, in reality it’s grooming a potential partner to form a strong emotional bond, before moving to the devaluation phase. It’s difficult to differentiate between genuine affection and love bombing, but subtle cues can help a person not fall victim to manipulative tactics:

  • Professing love and commitment within a short time of meeting. Pushing for quick commitment, such as moving in together or talking about marriage.
  • Showering with excessive compliments, buying extravagant gifts, treating to expensive outings, planning elaborate surprises.
  • Isolation from friends and family or monopolizing time and attention. Acting possessive or jealous.
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