When a narcissist starts being really sweet, it can be a behavior known as "love bombing." Love bombing is a manipulative tactic commonly employed by narcissists and other manipulative individuals to gain control and influence over their targets. It involves showering the person with excessive affection, attention, compliments, and gifts in an overwhelming and intense manner.
The purpose of love bombing is to quickly establish a deep emotional connection with the target, making them feel special, loved, and valued. The target may feel like they have finally found someone who understands and cares for them deeply. However, behind this initial display of kindness and charm, there are often ulterior motives:
Gaining trust and dependence: Love bombing creates a strong emotional bond, making the target more likely to trust and depend on the narcissist.
Building self-doubt: The rapid escalation of affection can leave the target feeling overwhelmed and questioning their own judgment, which makes them more susceptible to manipulation.
Isolating the target: The narcissist may try to isolate the target from their support network, friends, or family, further increasing their control over the person's life.
Setting a precedent: By creating an intense and positive experience initially, the narcissist can later use it as leverage to blame the target if the relationship encounters difficulties.
Control and manipulation: Once the narcissist has gained the target's trust and dependence, they may start to exhibit their more typical narcissistic behaviors, such as manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse.
It's important to be cautious when someone starts exhibiting extreme affection and charm early on in a relationship. While not everyone who displays such behavior is a narcissist, it's essential to take things slow, get to know the person better, and be aware of any signs of manipulation or controlling behavior.
If you suspect that you are involved with a narcissist or someone who engages in manipulative tactics, it's crucial to set boundaries, seek support from friends or professionals, and consider distancing yourself from the relationship for your emotional well-being.