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They listen intently to your every word.
Westend61 / Getty Images
Part of you feels overwhelmedmaybe even a little afraidby just how into them you are.
But you cant seem to slow down.
Depending on whom you ask, the above scenario could describe love bombingorfalling in love.
Experts agree that theres not always a simple way to sort out the differences between the two.
What is love bombing and why is it so hard to see?
To train your eyes to see through the smokescreen, its essential to understand common patterns of abusive behavior.
(For example, Can I join for girls night?
The idea of guys hitting on you when Im out of sight drives me crazy.)
Thoughtful surprises, sweet notes, and candlelit dinners are all typical ways to woo someone youre into.
Do youhaveto go to work?
Lets get away for a long weekend!
might sound sweetand maybe you do need a break.
Gush fests about a new love are to be expected.
Again, its kind of hard to tell whats genuine and whats sketchy here.
With love bombing, though, it feels smothering, Bendiksen says.
Breaking boundaries is yet another strategy abusers use to pull you deeper into their world.
Healthy sharing will help you bond as a couple, Bendiksen says.
But a person who love bombs makes it feel like this sharing binds you.
Again, this is about the love bomber trying to swoop in and take over your life.
If you suspect youre being love bombed, you dont necessarily need to end the relationship immediately.
But you should slow down and reassess your situation, according to the experts we talked to.
Who are you still in touch with (or not)?
Love bombing can be a highly confusing and disconcerting experience.
To see if your relationship checks off the right boxes, take the NDVHsIs Your Relationship Healthy?
This can be very helpful if youre hesitant to identify your relationship as being abusive, Reagan says.
Consider it a self-test that can help you figure out whether your discomfort and suspicions may be correct.
