We all know how complicated dating can be. Media and dating applications have influenced dating in a way which is unprecedented. While many budding relationships die due to the lack of communication, difference in expectations, or simple logistics, people indulging in negative behaviours like ‘gaslighting’ (manipulating someone into doubting themselves) and ‘ghosting’ (when a person stops responding out of the blue) isn’t helping. Another such dating malpractice that has been trending lately is ‘`love bombing`’, which refers to excessive — and manipulative — positive reinforcement (in the form of appreciation and attention) in the early stages of a relationship.

Desire, affection, and support tend to be reciprocal in healthy romantic relationships, but in cases of `love bombing`, attention flows in a single direction. We spoke to multiple experts to better understand what `love bombing` is, what are the signs one can look out for, how it impacts wellbeing, and how one can steer clear of it.