The Vicious Cycle of Love Bombing and Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse in which the abuser deliberately tries to make the victim question their own sanity or reality. The goal is to make the victim feel so confused and uncertain that they doubt their own memories, perceptions, and even their own sanity.

Gaslighting can be extremely damaging and is often used as a way to control and manipulate victims. It can be done in many different ways, such as by lying, denying, or constantly changing the story. gaslighting can also involve making the victim doubt themselves by questioning their memories or telling them they are "imagining things." Oftentimes, gaslighting is done in a gradual way so that the victim does not realize what is happening until later on in the relationship.

Love bombing is when an abuser showers the victim with excessive praise and attention at the beginning of the relationship to win them over. Once they have succeeded in gaining the victim's trust, the love bomber will start to withdraw their affection and use it as a weapon to control the victim. For example, they may withhold compliments or acts of love until the victim does something that they want them to do.

Unfortunately, gaslighting and love bombing often create a vicious cycle in which the victim is constantly doubting themselves and their reality. This can be incredibly confusing and traumatic for the victim. In some cases, it can even lead to a mental breakdown.