Love bombing

Love bombing is a manipulative tactic commonly used by predators, abusers, and manipulators (including cult leaders, narcissists, and toxic partners) to gain rapid control over a victim by overwhelming them with excessive affection, attention, flattery, and gifts. The stages of love bombing can be: They bypass natural boundaries by making the victim feel like they’re in a fairy tale. Victims feel like they've found a soulmate or someone who finally gets them. The dopamine rush from all the attention can make someone crave the love bomber’s presence or approval, just like a drug. Once the victim is hooked, the predator begins to shift behavior: controlling, gaslighting, or isolating them from friends and family. After the victim is emotionally invested, the love bombing stops abruptly, replaced by criticism, manipulation, or silent treatment. Victims then chase the initial affection, blaming themselves for its disappearance.