Love bombing is not just restricted to relationships. You could be smothering your friends with affection too

At first, these actions might seem innocent (maybe flattering). The issue is that even the strongest connections usually don’t develop this quickly or intensely. So “it almost feels transactional,” she says—like you owe them something. And instead of being sweet or endearing, this behaviour comes off as smothering, inappropriate or suspicious.

2. They make you feel bad for spending time with anyone else

There’s something about seeing a close pal having a good time with others that can leave you feeling a little butthurt. But as Murphey points out, “You don’t want to be with or dominated by one person and only one person. You want to have other friendships and relationships as well.”

Otherwise, this jealousy can escalate into toxic behaviours, like guilt-tripping you for making plans that don’t include them. (“Do you really have to hang out with your partner? My weekend will be so boring without you!”) They might also overstep boundaries by demanding to know where you are at all times. (“Who are you with? Why didn’t you tell me?”) These behaviours aren’t just clingy; they’re controlling, experts agree—and a healthy friendship should never make you feel trapped or obligated to justify your time.

3. They’re pushing for labels or setting intense expectations

Just like how someone you’ve just started dating might push for commitment way too soon, a friend can do the same. In platonic relationships, love bombing might look like “demanding that you guys are best friends, especially when you’re not feeling that way,” Sbordone says. Or maybe they dive straight into deeply personal, potentially off-putting conversations about past traumas, say, or their rampant sex life—things that might be natural to discuss with a close bud. With someone you barely know or trust? It can be uncomfortable, inappropriate or overwhelming.

4. They’re copying your every move

It’s normal in a healthy, solid friendship to pick up on each other’s habits, slang and mannerisms without realising it. That’s just what happens when you spend a lot of time together.

But this kind of influence is gradual and, more importantly, organic—different from a person who’s almost trying to become you. Think “someone who dresses like you, talks like you, starts acting like you,” Murphey says. Maybe you’ve always been into indie music and thrifting—and suddenly your new friend who’s never shown interest before starts listening to your exact playlists and adopting your entire aesthetic down to the smallest details. Or they basically parrot your opinions: Even though they’ve discussed their own dream wedding, they suddenly switch to wanting a tropical celebration…just like yours.