All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
You might have heard oflove bombingas a dating red flag to watch out for.
Monika Jurczyk/Adobe Stock
But did you know love bombing in friendship is a thing too?
Its just as unhealthy, but experts say its often sneakierand harder to spot.
A potential pal can be just as eager to create a sense of dependence.
Regardless of intent, though, moving too fast is still ared flagto be wary of.
Below, weve outlined a few telltale signs to watch for.
Theyre praising or gift-giving in a way that feels insincere.
Theres also perpetual praisetheyre building you up in a way that feels inauthentic.
Like, Ive never met anyone as perfect as you!
or Ive never felt this close to someone so quickly….
Were basically like soulmates!
despite the fact that they barely know anything about you yet.
At first, these actions might seem innocent (maybe flattering).
The issue is that even the strongest connections usually dont develop this quickly or intensely.
So it almost feels transactional, she sayslike you owe them something.
And instead of being sweet or endearing, this behavior comes off as smothering, inappropriate, or suspicious.
They make you feel bad for spending time with anyone else.
Theres something about seeing a close pal having agood time with othersthat can leave you feeling a little butthurt.
You want to have other friendships and relationships as well.
Otherwise, thisjealousycan escalate into toxic behaviors, like guilt-tripping you for making plans that dont include them.
(Do you really have to hang out with your partner?
My weekend will be so boring without you!)
They might also overstep boundaries by demanding to know where you are at all times.
(Who are you with?
Why didnt you tell me?)
Theyre pushing for labels or setting intense expectations.
But with someone you barely know or trust?
It can be uncomfortable, inappropriate, or overwhelming.
Theyre copying your every move.
Thats just what happens when you spend a lot of time together.
Think someone who dresses like you, talks like you, starts acting like you, Murphey says.
It takes time to build memories, experiences, emotions, all of this.
None of that happens in weeks, Murphey says, which is wheresetting boundariescan come in handy.
This could mean hanging out less, prioritizing other relationships, or reevaluating your dynamic altogether.
(Asking yourselfthese important questionscan help you figure out whats best.)
And look, this isnt to say hitting it off almost instantlyisntpossible.
Related:
Get more of SELF’s great friendship advice delivered right to your inboxfor free.
