New relationships are exciting, especially when you meet someone you instantly click with. In many cases, feeling connected and comfortable can be a sign of a healthy relationship to come. However, a relationship that starts off feeling great can also shift in ways that are not so great once the excitement and novelty wear off.
One person goes above and beyond to please the other person by giving excessive compliments, pushing for commitment or more time together, making grand gestures and sending over-the-top gifts. Love bombing is characterized by a number of behaviors that are typically meant to sweep someone off their feet or make a new relationship feel extra exciting. How can such positive things feel yucky?
It can also serve as a guide for making important decisions about the relationship moving forward. Receiving compliments can make us feel good and boost our confidence. On the flip side, too many compliments can feel overwhelming. Getting to know someone is important, but if it feels like someone is getting too personal too quickly, it may feel invasive or awkward. All relationships have different timelines.
If someone takes the reins or forces a relationship to move faster than the other person is comfortable with, it may be a sign to hit pause.
However, if someone becomes too clingy, it may quickly become overwhelming. Gifts can be a nice gesture, but if they are excessive or feel conditional it can be a sign that someone is trying to exploit or manipulate their partner.
