You’re Dating a Narcissist - Love bombing & Gas-lighting
- Michael Capleone, Sr.
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
At first, it may feel like you’ve found the person of your dreams. They say all the right things, shower you with attention, and make you feel like the center of the universe. But suddenly—without warning—it all shifts. You’re second-guessing yourself, questioning your memory, and feeling increasingly dependent on the same person who once adored you. These are not signs of deep love. These are the first red flags of narcissistic abuse: love bombing and gaslighting.
Love Bombing: When Affection Isn’t Affection
Love bombing is emotional manipulation disguised as romance. It begins with overwhelming flattery, intense declarations of love, rapid attachment, and idealization. You may feel swept off your feet—but the reality is, it’s a calculated attempt to gain control. Narcissists use love bombing as a tool to hook you emotionally and psychologically before revealing their true nature.
What it looks like:
“I’ve never felt this way before—let’s move in together.”
Constant texting and messaging demanding instant replies.
Gifts, grand gestures, and public declarations… very early on.
Pressuring for commitment within days or weeks.
Once you’ve let your guard down, the praise stops. The same person who couldn’t stop complimenting you now criticizes your every move.
Gaslighting: Turning Reality Against You
After the love bombing stage, the narcissist begins gaslighting—a psychological tactic designed to make you question your perception of reality.
Common gaslighting phrases:
“You’re too sensitive.”
“That never happened.”
“You’re imagining things.”
“I was just joking—can’t you take a joke?”
Gaslighting is often subtle and cumulative. You may start doubting your instincts, apologizing constantly, and losing confidence. Over time, you become easier to manipulate.
What To Do About It
Document Interactions: Keep a journal or use a secure app to log conversations and behaviors. Writing things down helps anchor you in reality.
Establish Boundaries: Begin saying no. You don’t owe anyone immediate access to your time, energy, or body.
Seek External Validation: Talk to a therapist or someone you trust who can offer a neutral, grounded perspective.
Create Distance: Emotionally and physically. Love bombing and gaslighting can become addictive—creating space helps break the trauma bond.
You’re not crazy. You’re not too sensitive. You’re being manipulated. Recognizing these tactics is your first act of power. You deserve love built on respect—not control.
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About Michael Capleone, Attorney at Law
Michael Capleone is a seasoned family law attorney based in Hoover, Alabama, with over 22+ years of experience helping clients navigate complex legal challenges, including divorce, child custody, parental rights, grandparent’s rights, military divorces, petition for protection from abuse, CPS and DHR matters, father’s rights, mother’s rights, relationship advice, pets/ animal custody when a relationship or marriage ends, and general family law matters, co-parenting, dealing with a narcissist, emotional recovery, and much more! As a licensed practicing attorney since 2003, is a dedicated advocate for his clients, Michael understands the emotional and legal complexities of family law cases and works tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes in his law practice.
Whether you’re dealing with high-conflict custody battles, seeking modifications to child support or visitation, or facing difficult divorce proceedings, having problems with a toxic ex, trying to co-parent with a narcissist. Michael Capleone provides expert legal tips and topic specific information with wisdom and clarity. He is committed to ensuring that his clients’ rights are protected, and their voices are heard in the courtroom. These blogs and guides that he is creating are meant to provide simple, straightforward, helpful, and powerful practical information for people all across the United States of America and beyond.
These guides are written in a brief and concise way to get you powerful and useful information that you can easily print off in a reasonable small number of pages. Each guide is a concentrated, no-fluff resource — around 4-5 pages packed with professional insight, legal strategy, and emotional survival tactics. They are designed to cover the real pain points people face in courtrooms and custody fights: defending yourself against false accusations, exposing manipulation without looking petty, protecting your financial future, and keeping your relationship with your children strong in the middle of conflict.
For less than the cost of a single attorney consultation, you get targeted strategies built from over 22+ years of real-world family law experience. These aren’t generic blog articles or cookie-cutter templates. Every guide is designed to give you immediate, actionable steps — the same strategies I teach my own clients — adapted for real people dealing with real, high-stakes problems.
If you're serious about defending your rights, protecting your children, and staying one step ahead of a manipulative ex, these guides aren't just helpful — they're essential. They will save you time, reduce your stress, and help you make smarter moves when everything is on the line.
Winning in court isn’t just about having evidence. It’s about understanding the psychology, the patterns, and the legal strategies that judges actually respond to. These guides put that power in your hands. If you’re ready to stop reacting and start taking control, you’re exactly where you need to be!
For more information on Michael Capleone’s legal services or to schedule a consultation. An experienced Hoover, Alabama family law attorney that guides clients through legal strategy, emotional challenges, relationship problems, legal matters and more to achieve the best positive outcomes. Note: Licensed in the State of Alabama only.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique—please consult with a qualified family law attorney licensed in your jurisdiction to discuss your specific situation. Also, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, psychological, or professional advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship or any other professional-client relationship. The information provided is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, tax professional, psychologist, or other expert regarding your specific situation.
