A psychologist has identified two crucial relationship red flags that often go unnoticed: love-bombing and overprotectiveness.

1. Love-bombing: This behavior involves overwhelming a partner with excessive affection, gifts, and grand gestures early in the relationship. While it may seem flattering at first, it is often a tactic rooted in low self-esteem. Love-bombers use these displays to boost their own sense of self-worth and manipulate their partner. Over time, this can lead to controlling behaviors, gaslighting, and addiction to the affection. Victims of love-bombing might become dependent on the love they receive, and when the affection stops, they become eager to regain it, creating a toxic cycle of manipulation.
2. Overprotectiveness: What may appear as caring and protective behavior can sometimes veer into controlling tendencies. An overprotective partner may micromanage their significant other’s life, limiting their independence and freedom, which is a critical aspect of a healthy relationship. Such behaviors, even when motivated by a desire to avoid hurting a partner, can restrict personal autonomy and undermine the relationship’s foundation.

In addition to these red flags, the article also highlights the damaging effect of ‘phubbing’, where a person ignores their partner in favor of looking at their phone. This behavior can cause feelings of rejection, anxiety, and loneliness, especially on dates or in long-term relationships. A psychologist warned that ‘phubbing’ is not just detrimental in the early stages of a relationship but can also erode trust and intimacy over time. The psychologist advises putting the phone away or turning it off during dates to prioritize real-time connection, ensuring that the other person feels valued and heard. Constant phone distractions can cause a disconnect and lead to relationship dissatisfaction.