Love Bombing: When Romance Turns into a Financial Red Flag
Ever been swept off your feet by grand gestures, constant compliments, and whirlwind romance—only to feel something isn’t quite right? That might not be true love; it could be love bombing. And beyond the emotional toll, it can have serious financial consequences, too.
What is Love Bombing?
Love bombing is an intense form of manipulation where someone showers you with excessive affection, gifts, and attention early in a relationship to gain control. It often starts as dreamy and intoxicating but can quickly turn toxic.
Why Should You Care?
While love bombing can take a serious emotional toll, it’s also a financial red flag—especially for independent, professional women who have their own money and assets. The goal? To create emotional dependence, which can easily lead to financial dependence.
Financial Warning Signs of Love Bombing
Here’s what to watch out for:
Over-the-Top Gifts & Spending Expectations – Expensive holidays, designer bags, or lavish dinners may feel like romance, but they can also be a way to create an unbalanced financial dynamic. If someone’s flashing their wealth early on or pressuring you to match their spending, be cautious.
Rushing Big Financial Decisions – Love bombers often push for shared bank accounts, joint investments, or even moving in together way too soon. If you feel rushed into making big financial commitments, take a step back.
Criticising Your Financial Independence – Have they suddenly started making you feel guilty about your financial independence? Comments like “You don’t need to work so hard” or “Why don’t you let me take care of you?” can be disguised as care but may be an attempt to weaken your financial autonomy.
Subtle Guilt-Tripping Around Money – Do they get upset if you don’t accept a gift? Do they make you feel selfish for wanting financial boundaries? If generosity comes with emotional strings attached, that’s a problem.
How to Protect Yourself
- Trust Your Gut – If the relationship is moving at lightning speed and feels “too good to be true,” slow down. Healthy love builds over time.
- Keep Financial Boundaries – Don’t feel pressured into shared accounts, loans, or big financial commitments early on.
- Stay Independent – Keep your own financial safety net, and don’t let someone else dictate your spending or savings habits.
- Talk to Someone – If you’re feeling unsure, chat with a trusted friend, financial advisor, or therapist.
The Bottom Line
Love bombing isn’t just an emotional issue—it’s a financial one, too. Your money, independence, and security should never be up for manipulation. Real love respects your boundaries, including your financial ones.
Have you or someone you know experienced financial red flags in a relationship?
If you’re concerned about financial control in a relationship, you may want to look at Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA)—the only UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of economic abuse. Visit them at Surviving Economic Abuse: Transforming responses to economic abuse