How Do You Ignore Love Bombing? 7 Ways that Work
Love bombing is a manipulative tactic used by narcissists and should be treated as a big red flag.
Love bombing features big grandiose gestures, constant compliments and a level of intimacy or commitment that is out of line with the normal progression of a relationship. But, it can be intoxicating and it’s not always easy not to get swept along.
If you feel like you are being love bombed there are a couple of actions you can take. If its a new relationship it’s possible the person is just being over the top and not intentionally love bombing you. They may not have had healthy relationships modeled to them and be trying to create a fairy tale romance that isn’t realistic.
Talk to them about the situation, let them know it is making you uncomfortable and ask them to slow things down. They should be able to respect your boundaries and change their behavior. And you should only have to have this conversation once. If they get angry, make out like it’s all your fault, or make you feel guilty or like you are being unreasonable, this should confirm that this is not a healthy relationship.
How Do You Ignore Love Bombing?
If you don’t get a positive response based on mutual respect and affection, then it’s time to ignore the love bombing and get out of the relationship. The trouble is that level of adoration and attention can be addictive and a love bomber can make themselves very difficult to ignore.
When you are being love bombed the expectation is that you will reciprocate, validating the love bomber and giving them the praise and adoration they so desperately desire. If you ignore their advances they may up the ante for a short period of time. However, if you continue to ignore the love bombs, in most cases they will fairly quickly move on to a new supply. Remember this isn’t about love but about meeting their needs.
Talking to people outside the relationship and asking for their support can be really valuable, especially if the love bombing has had the effect of isolating you from friends and family. Rebuilding connections that have been damaged or lost and reaching out for support will help you maintain your resolve if things get hard.
Working on your own self worth and self esteem is also invaluable as the more self confidence you have and the more you love yourself the less susceptible you will be to someone else’s ingenuous affections.
If you are leaving someone that has been love bombing you the best thing to do is to cut off all contact. Block their phone and block them on social media. There may be a temptation to try and save them, especially if they bombard you with apologies, but the fact is that it’s almost certainly not possible for you to change them, and going back to them will only open you up to further abuse down the line.
