Due to both the changing world order and the undeniable place of social media in our lives, the dynamics of today’s relationships have changed. With the influence of environmental factors, problems in relationships took a completely different turn. After all these problems were classified, these concepts were given English names. Let’s take a look at three of the most common of these terms.
Love Bombing;
It is when one person tries to impress another person by showing them intense love, care and attention. Love bombing is a manipulative tactic often used in romantic relationships or dating periods. The love bomber quickly shows intense interest, makes grand gestures, communicates constantly, gives excessive compliments, and gives gifts.
Love bombing aims to quickly build the target person’s emotional attachment and trust. This makes the person feel special and valued. However, love bombing is often done for a manipulative purpose. The person who makes love bombing aims to develop addiction and control the target person.
Love bombing can trap the victim in relationship dynamics and emotional dependence. As the relationship progresses, the love bomber often loses interest, shows no interest, or may resort to manipulative behavior. This makes the victim insecure and dependent.
In a healthy relationship, love and care are expressed in a balanced, consistent and sincere way. Love bombing should not be confused with true love and attention. Mutual respect, trust and communication play an important role in a healthy relationship. If manipulative behaviors such as love bombing are noticed in a relationship, this may require an evaluation of relationship dynamics.
Gaslighting;
It is when one person manipulates another person’s mind, causing them to question their perception of reality. The gaslighter tries to convince the victim that it is his fault or misconception. This includes creating a mentally jarring effect with lies, contradictions, denials, and constant accusations of the person.
Gaslighting aims to undermine the victim’s trust and cause them to question their own thoughts, feelings, and facts. This prevents the victim from believing what they feel and observe, lowering their self-confidence and making them dependent.
Gaslighting can occur in the following ways:
Lies and contradictions: The gaslighter may constantly tell lies and make contradictory statements. This makes the victim feel confused and insecure.
Denying facts: The gaslighter may deny the victim’s experiences, recalled facts or experiences. This makes the victim unable to trust their own memory and perception.
Blaming and throwing responsibility: The gaslighter can constantly blame the victim and throw responsibility. This makes the victim constantly feel guilty and at fault.
Making the other person suspicious: The gaslighter can make the victim question his own thoughts and feelings by constantly making him suspicious. This makes the victim feel insecure and powerless.
Ghosting;
It is a tactic often used in control, manipulation and power relations. This type of manipulation is not compatible with a healthy relationship or communication model and can strain victims psychologically. In the case of gaslighting, it is important for the victim to get support and help.
Ghosting is the sudden and unexpected disappearance of another person in a relationship or communication by cutting off communication. Ghosting usually occurs when the person flees without expressing that they do not want to end their relationship or communication with the other person. This can manifest itself in the form of not responding to phone calls, messages or social media interactions.
Ghosting often occurs in romantic relationships or dating periods, but it can also occur in friendships or professional relationships. The ghosting person often cuts off communication for personal reasons and does not provide any explanation or closure to the other person.
Ghosting can disappoint the other person and end the relationship unresolved. The other person may experience uncertainty and confusion while trying to understand why the communication was interrupted. Ghosting can often have an emotional impact, undermining a person’s self-confidence and affecting their relationship experience.
Ghosting is not compatible with a healthy communication and relationship model. Open and honest communication is important in relationships and both parties are expected to express their feelings, expectations and boundaries. Ghosting can be perceived as disrespectful to the other person and can be seen as an escape method rather than a mature and understanding ending of relationships.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Beyhan Perim Secmen
