A love bomber will shower a recipient with praise, gifts, and physical affection. In addition, they may make grandiose promises for the future or claim that they've fallen in love at first sight. While this positive attention can feel exciting or even exhilarating at first, it can also be overwhelming.
In the past, the term “love bomb” was used by psychologists who worked with narcissists, but what is not as known is that love bombing may also be associated with people who have mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and even adjustment ...
Hyperfocus on a new relationship and partner — showering them with gifts and attention — may be mistaken for love bombing, especially when the heat begins to cool.
Let's recap. Manipulation isn't a formal symptom of bipolar disorder, although some people with the condition may exhibit this behavior.
They may assume that you'll lose patience with them. They may be feeling overwhelmed, guarded, or paranoid. These feelings can hit those with bipolar like a ton of bricks. When they're in the throes of these emotions, they may unintentionally shut others out as they try to navigate what's happening on their own.
Patients with rapid changes between the two states are known to have manic depressive states or episodes. Without the appropriate treatment, bipolar behavior can destroy relationships, deteriorate the individual's health, and/or endanger their job.
While compliments can be flattering and thoughtful, love-bombers tend to give overwhelming compliments, like "I've never met anyone more beautiful than you," or "My life is complete now that you're in it." Not only will they constantly compliment, but Spirit says they may also bait you to return these extreme ...
“Love bombing” is defined by someone showering their partner with excessive affection, attention, gifts, and flattery in order to gain their trust and dependence.
"Most love bombers are doing it unintentionally, or are at least in denial or rationalizing their behavior," Huynh said.
Love bombers tend to continue until the person is either sufficiently seduced or makes it clear they won't succumb to their efforts. Many people will see the exaggerated gestures and declarations as a red flag and get out.
Love bombing typically takes place during a courtship phase that can last days or weeks. It may even last for months if you seem more resistant. Ultimately, there's no set timeline for love bombing. It can continue until your partner feels they've established the necessary level of control.
Taking steps to rebuild one's sense of self, reconnect with family and friends, and learn to trust again—often with the help of a therapist—can help someone move past their negative relationship after being love bombed.
Bipolar symptoms during a manic phase may include:
getting much less sleep or no sleep. poor appetite and weight loss. racing thoughts, racing speech, talking over people. highly irritable, impatient or aggressive.
Grandiosity and overconfidence. Easy tearfulness, frequent sadness. Needing little sleep to feel rested. Uncharacteristic impulsive behavior.
Love bombing is a term used to describe a pattern of behaviors frequently seen in people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
This can include elaborate gift-giving, over-complimenting, wanting undivided attention, and other manipulative tactics. Love bombing is commonly associated with narcissism and often progresses into emotional abuse.
Love bombing is most common among narcissists and goes hand-in-hand with other toxic relationship traits including gaslighting and emotional abuse.
Stage Two - Devaluing
Once the initial love bombing phase is over, and the individual is suitably in love, loyal and enmeshed in the relationship the next stage of devaluation begins.
In fact, the love language of the narcissist is to get you to do all the work of the relationship. They feel “loved” when you are proving your love and loyalty. They believe you are invested into the relationship when you invest more into them than you invest in you.
Contrary to the popular assumption, not all love-bombing is calculated or intended to be harmful. The behavior ranges from being something that is relatively innocent albeit naïve, to being emotionally devastating or even life-threatening, such as when carried out by leaders of cults.
Breakups can be brutal—and can easily trigger bipolar symptoms. The end of a relationship often ushers in dark feelings like abandonment, guilt, and rejection. Even if the relationship was toxic and getting out was the right decision, there may be a sense of failure or self-blame.