Love bombing is not just restricted to relationships. You could be smothering your friends with affection too

At first, these actions may seem innocent (perhaps flattering). The problem is that even the strongest connections do not generally develop this quickly or intensely. So, “it seems almost transactional,” she said – as you owe them something. And instead of being sweet or engaging, this behavior turns out to be suffocated, inappropriate or suspect.

2. They make you feel bad to spend time with someone else

There is something to see a close friend of having a good time with others who can leave you a little Centhurt. But as Murphey points out, “you don’t want to be with or dominated by one person and one person. You also want to have other friendships and relationships. ”

Otherwise, this jealousy can be transformed into toxic behaviors, such as the guilt to make you guilt to make plans that do not include them. (“Do you really have to spend time with your partner? My weekend will be so boring without you!”) They could also exceed borders by demanding where you are at any time. (“Who are you? Why didn’t you tell me?”) These behaviors are not only glued; They control, the experts agree – and a healthy friendship should never make you feel trapped or forced to justify your time.

3. They push labels or define intense expectations

Just like the way someone you just started could put pressure on the commitment too early, a friend can do the same. In platonic relationships, bombing may look like “demand that you are the best friends, especially when you don’t feel that way,” said Sbordone. Or maybe they dive directly into deeply personal and potentially off -putting conversations on past trauma, for example, or their rampant sex life – things that could be natural to chat with a nearby bud. With someone you barely know or who you trust? This can be uncomfortable, inappropriate or overwhelming.

4. They copy each of your movements

This is normal in a healthy and solid friendship to take up the habits, the slang and the ways of the other without realizing it. This is exactly what is happening when you spend a lot of time together.

But this kind of influence is progressive and, more important, biological – of a person who almost tries to become You. Think of “someone who dresses like you, speaks like you, begins to act like you,” says Murphey. Perhaps you have always been in independent music and savings – and suddenly, your new friend who has never shown interest before starts to listen to your exact reading lists and to adopt all your aesthetics to the smallest details. Or they essentially penetrate your opinions: even if they have discussed their own dream marriage, they suddenly pass to want a tropical celebration … just like yours.