Love bombing: The toxic dating trend that the UK recognises as a sign of abuse

Love bombing is a new trend in dating that most people are unaware of and unable to identify.

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According to experts, it is a form of emotional abuse.

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Love bombing is when a partner shows excessive love and affection but disregards boundaries and manipulates or controls your life.

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The purpose is to enhance ego by gaining power over those being pursued.

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Love bombing can involve constant compliments, grand gestures, and expensive gifts, which makes it hard to spot.

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Another problem with identifying love bombing is that it can happen anytime and by any person in a relationship.

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A therapist suggests it's usually a sign of narcissistic personality disorder.

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The narcissist typically switches and becomes very difficult, abusive, or manipulative

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Love bombing isn’t uniformed and experts advise being vigilant for signs of it.

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The most important and biggest red flag that you may be a victim of love bombing is excessive attention and praise.

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Once a love bomber has established trust and dependency they go through a withdrawing stage.

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Another tell-tale sign of love bombing is lavishing gifts on a person.

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Intense jealousy and ensuring that you don’t have time for another relationship is another sign of being love bombed.

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The UK's Crown Prosecution Service has revised its guidelines to include harmful ways abusive partners control and manipulate people.

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Turning to someone outside the relationship can be helpful in recognising a manipulative person.

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Once you have identified that you are dealing with a love bomber, you could have a conversation and set boundaries with them.

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However, in very extreme cases the best option is to seek help from agencies dealing with domestic abuse.

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