Psych Buzzwords, Debunked: Love Bombing
One of the things I love about our growing cultural conversations around relationships is how people are becoming more attuned to red flags. I see clients, friends, and even teens online identifying unhealthy dynamics and naming them—which is powerful. But as with many psychological terms that go viral, some words start to get stretched so far they lose their real meaning. One of those buzzwords? Love bombing. On social media, I’ve seen people call it love bombing when someone texts back quickly, gives compliments, or is simply enthusiastic early on. But that’s not what the term was meant to describe—and when we misuse it, we risk blurring the line between genuine affection and emotional manipulation. That’s why I’m continuing this series to unpack these trending concepts and bring clarity. Today, let’s dig into what love bombing really is, what it isn’t, and why the distinction matters. What is Love Bombing? Love bombing is a manipulative tactic most often used in toxic or abusive re...