What is narcissistic love bombing and how to recognize it?

Narcissistic traits involve grandiosity, lack of empathy, and a need for admiration to regulate a fragile sense of self and low self-esteem. In this article, we will go over what narcissistic love bombing is in the narcissistic abuse cycle and how to recognize love bombing so that you can avoid getting stuck in the abuse cycle.

What are the signs that a narcissist is in love with you?

It also helps them project an image of superiority that they always want people to see especially those they like. They will love bomb you: this is the most obvious sign. Love bombing is when a narcissist shows you exaggerated love, affection and attention.

What happens during the love bombing phase?

During the love bombing phase, the narcissist is setting you up for an addiction. Just like drug dealers give away free hits to inexperienced users, narcissists shower their potential victims with praise, admiration, attentiveness, and even understanding as a first ‘high’ to show how amazing they can be as a partner.

How does a narcissist manipulate you?

Emotional Manipulation via Love Bombing During the love bombing phase, the narcissist is setting you up for an addiction.

What happens when there’s a narcissist involved?

But when there’s a narcissist involved, it turns into a whole other ball of wax. For them, love bombing is one phase of the narcissist’s typical abuse cycle. Love bombing usually happens during the initial stages of a relationship with a narcissist.

What is love bombing/idealization?

Since love bombing/idealization is part of the narcissistic abuse cycle, it can happen intermittently throughout the relationship as part of the intermittent reinforcement pattern narcissists use to keep their victims hooked. Why does love bombing work so well? We all know how predictable a narcissist can be.

What is love bombing and how does it relate to abuse?

But love bombing comes in conflict with the agenda of lowering the victim’s self-esteem. Abusers believe that excessive love can make their victim feel lovable, who in return would leave them for someone else. When an abusive narcissist starts to sniff confidence and a little comfort in their victim, they usually rush into abuse to neutralise them.