This can be experienced during any stage of a relationship but it is often seen in the early stages of getting to know one another. It can seem like an overwhelming obsession with you at the beginning of the relationship. They may shower you with exaggerated compliments, gifts, communication overload, letters, flowers, etc., and make you feel like the center of attention.

Even though finding a partner that feels like your perfect match can feel like a fairy tale, it can be a red flag and sign of continued love bombing if you are experiencing pressure to make big commitments quickly or early on in the relationship. It can take time to truly get to know your partner. Using terms such as “soulmate,” “my other half,” “the love of my life,” and “my everything,” can be a cause for concern if you haven’t  known someone that long or feel uncomfortable when they are used. If you feel uneasy about the pace in which you are moving or like you are being swept off your feet, you may want to talk to your partner about it. 

If the person seems to have an explanation or way out of everything, seems to blame all of their problems on others, or lacks personal accountability, this can be a red flag.

This is a term used to explain when someone twists the reality of what happened, and by doing so, places blame on the other person or exterior circumstances. Gaslighting typically causes someone to question their own thoughts, feelings, instincts, and sanity. It tends to start gradually and may even seem harmless at first. This can look like saying, “You’re overreacting, it didn’t happen that way,” “You are crazy, I never said that,” or “Are you sure? You often have a bad memory.”

If the person seems to have frequent small outbursts of aggression (like slamming a door too hard, throwing an inanimate object, kicking something, name-calling, yelling, etc.) this can be a red flag.

Below are some early warning signs that you might experience if you are being abused…

• Exhaustion

• Frustration or stress

• Not feeling able to speak your opinion

• Not feeling able to disagree

• Walking on eggshells

• Weight loss or gain

• Missed or late periods

• Feeling pressure to make a commitment

• Anxiety

• Suicidal thoughts or depression

If you are feeling depressed (even if not clinically diagnosed) or having suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. Call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “Talk” to 741-741.