When a narcissist engages in love bombing after the discard, it's not necessarily because they genuinely believe you are "the one" again. Love bombing is a manipulative tactic used by narcissists to regain control and keep you emotionally invested in the relationship or to win you back if you've already left.
During the love bombing phase, a narcissist will shower you with excessive affection, compliments, and attention. They may appear charming, attentive, and loving, making you feel like you are the center of their world. This behavior is designed to exploit your emotions and draw you back into the relationship or keep you emotionally connected, even if you've already ended things.
The love bombing phase serves several purposes for the narcissist:
Re-establishing control: By love bombing, the narcissist aims to regain control over you and the relationship. They want you to be emotionally dependent on them and susceptible to their manipulation.
Ego boost: Love bombing feeds the narcissist's need for admiration and validation. When they see you responding positively to their overtures, it reinforces their sense of superiority and boosts their fragile self-esteem.
Diminishing resistance: After a breakup, you might have become more aware of the narcissist's manipulative behavior and established boundaries. Love bombing is an attempt to break down your defenses and make you more susceptible to their future manipulation.
Maintaining the narcissistic supply: Narcissists require a constant source of attention and validation to sustain their ego. By love bombing you, they ensure they have a readily available source of admiration and emotional support.
It's important to recognize love bombing for what it is: a manipulative tactic that is not grounded in genuine love or care. Once the narcissist feels they have reeled you back in or obtained the desired level of control, they may revert to their more typical behaviors, such as devaluation and emotional abuse.
If you have already left a relationship with a narcissist and they are attempting to love bomb you, it's essential to stay firm in your decision to distance yourself from the toxic dynamic. Maintain your boundaries and prioritize your emotional well-being. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who can help you navigate through the manipulation and healing process. Remember, genuine love and care should be respectful, consistent, and nurturing, not characterized by manipulation and control.