The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has taken a vital step in protecting people from emotional abuse by officially recognising love bombing as a form of coercive and controlling behaviour. This update to CPS guidance means that what may seem like over-the-top romance at the beginning of a relationship can now be examined as part of a pattern of abuse—especially when used to manipulate or gain control.
At The Matchmaker UK, we welcome this development wholeheartedly. We believe it will help daters better recognise unhealthy behaviours early on, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to prioritising emotional safety and genuine connection in all of our matchmaking services.
What Is Love Bombing?
Love bombing is a term used to describe excessive affection or attention early in a relationship with the intent to quickly gain trust and create emotional dependency. While flowers, compliments, and affection are normal in dating, love bombing crosses a line—it is intense, overwhelming, and often used to cloud judgement and shift the balance of power.
These behaviours may look like romantic gestures at first, but they can quickly turn into methods of control. Once the person feels dependent, the love bomber may begin to withdraw affection, become critical, or exert emotional pressure. Over time, this cycle can leave someone feeling confused, isolated, and doubting themselves.
Why CPS Recognition Matters
The CPS’s decision to include love bombing in its guidance on controlling and coercive behaviour marks a turning point. For the first time, the justice system is publicly acknowledging that abuse isn’t always loud, physical, or overt—it can start with what feels like love.
By recognising love bombing as a potential precursor to abuse, the CPS is helping to close the gap between emotional manipulation and legal accountability. Survivors are now more likely to be taken seriously if they report patterns of behaviour that may previously have been dismissed as “just intense dating”.
Early Warning Signs of Love Bombing
Being swept off your feet can feel exciting, but it’s important to stay grounded. Some signs that love bombing might be taking place include:
- Constant communication – non-stop messages or calls that feel invasive
- Rushing the relationship – saying “I love you” very early or pushing for exclusivity
- Excessive gift-giving – expensive or overwhelming gestures that feel out of proportion
- Over-the-top compliments – idealising you in a way that feels too good to be true
- Isolating behaviour – encouraging you to pull away from friends or family
- Disregard for boundaries – pushing physical, emotional, or time-related limits
These tactics are designed to overpower your natural pace, and often shift into emotional control once the bond is formed.
Our Approach to Client Safety
At The Matchmaker UK, client safety and emotional wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We take this new CPS guidance seriously and ensure our matchmaking process is rooted in care, discernment, and emotional intelligence.
We vet each introduction carefully and provide ongoing support to clients to help them navigate the early stages of dating. Our matchmakers are trained to spot red flags, including manipulative behaviours like love bombing, and we empower our clients with knowledge, confidence, and a safe space to raise concerns.
“At The Matchmaker UK, we take the CPS’s inclusion of love bombing in their guidance very seriously. We are committed to protecting our clients from manipulative or coercive behaviour, especially in the early stages of dating. Our mission has always been to support emotionally healthy, mutually respectful relationships—and this update empowers us further to uphold those values.”
– Lara Besbrode, Managing Director and Dating Expert
What To Do If You Suspect Love Bombing
If you’re dating and something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to trust your instincts. Here are some steps to take:
1. Pause and Reflect
Check in with yourself. Are you feeling pressured, overwhelmed, or emotionally dependent very quickly?
2. Speak to Someone
Talk things through with a trusted friend, a counsellor, or a support organisation like Women’s Aid. A fresh perspective can help you see things more clearly.
3. Set Boundaries
Healthy partners will respect your pace. Don’t be afraid to say you’d like to slow things down or take time for yourself.
4. Look for Consistency, Not Intensity
Healthy love grows over time and respects your individuality. If something feels performative or rushed, it might be worth taking a step back.
5. Access Support Services
If you’re feeling confused, manipulated, or concerned, organisations such as Women’s Aid offer confidential advice and resources.
Creating a Culture of Safer Dating
The CPS’s recognition of love bombing is more than a legal update—it’s a cultural shift. It signals that the emotional health of individuals matters and that abuse doesn’t have to leave a bruise to be serious. We are proud to stand with survivors and support this evolution in how we understand and respond to harm in relationships.
At The Matchmaker UK, we remain dedicated to providing a dating environment where respect, communication, and care are standard—not exceptions.
If you’re dating and want expert support from a team that puts your emotional safety first, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking something more meaningful, we’re here to help you find genuine, healthy, and lasting love—on your terms.
For more information on safe dating or to book a confidential consultation, visit thematchmaker.uk
You deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported in love.
We’ll help you get there.