What Does Love Bombing Feel Like?
Why does love bombing feel so good?
Well, love bombers sweep you off your feet.
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Its nice to beflooded with dopamine, the feel-good chemical your brain releases.
The danger is that the abuser needs control and the same cycle repeats.
They dont change their abusive behavior and you might be in harms way.
When Are You Most Likely to Be Love-Bombed?
They may praise you effusively, tell you they adore you, and seem toemotionally attach very quickly.
Love bombing also happens with couples after having a big fight or breaking up.
What Are the Stages of Love Bombing?
Love bombing generally occurs in three stages or phases.
They are idealization, devaluation, and discard.
Idealization
A common sign of a love bomber is they dont do anything halfway.
During the first phase of idealization, they seem to put you on a pedestal.
This can feel flattering, but they idealize you too quickly.
In fact, everything seems to happen too quickly.
Your partner alternates between being kind one minute and cruel the next.
Discard
The third stage of love bombing is the discard phase.
During this stage,the other person doesn’t take accountabilityfor their actions.
Who Engages in Love Bombing?
The scientists noted millennials have shown a major increase in narcissism compared to previous generations.
These individuals are amazingly adept at finding those who are vulnerable.
How Do You Know If They’re Love Bombing You?
So, how do you know if youre falling in love or starting a relationship with a love bomber?
These examples will alert you to the fact that the person youre with is likely a master manipulator.
Love bombing can occur in friendships and other relationships as well.
Can Love Bombing Ever Be a Good Thing?
In a few cases, love bombing can be a positive experience.
While overly generous, this bang out of love bombing occurs over time.
It feels natural compared to the controlling ways of a typical love bomber.
What If You Realize You’re Love-Bombing Someone Else?
In other cases, you might be love bombing and not even know it.
Then hopefully, they can subsequently come up with solutions together.
Achieving this goal can be difficult with a partner who has narcissism and isn’t receiving treatment.
Those who have been diagnosed withnarcissistic personality disorderlack empathy, according to the Cleveland Clinic.Theyre self-centered and demand admiration.
They also have an outsized sense of entitlement.
What to Do After Youve Been Love Bombed
Know that youre not alone.
A study on living with pathological narcissism found difficulties within the context of their close relationships.
Its never too early to seek help from a mental health counselor to guide you.
Remember togive yourself kindnessand forgiveness, too.
Reach out to a mental health professional or talk to someone you might trust.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Howard V.Recognising narcissistic abuse and the implications for mental health nursing practice.Issues Mental Health Nurs.
2019;40(8):644-654. doi:10.1080/01612840.2019.1590485
National Domestic Violence Hotline.Signs of love bombing.
Cleveland Clinic.What is love bombing?
Cleveland Clinic.Narcissistic personality disorder.
