Love bombing is not about the gifts or the attention. Dr. Laurie Betito says it is about the motive and the pattern behind them.

Someone coming on fast with intense affection, constant praise, promises, and grand gestures early in a relationship can feel like exactly what you wanted. Dr. Laurie Betito says that is the point. The goal in toxic cases is to lower your defenses quickly, create dependency, and then shift to control once you are locked in. Inside existing relationships, the same behavior shows up differently: as a way to reset after conflict without resolving anything, or as a smoke screen for something the other person does not want discovered.

Dr. Laurie Betito says healthy affection is consistent and respectful. Love bombing is excessive, fast-moving, and tied to insecurity or manipulation. Putting the brakes on and requiring someone to earn trust over time is the clearest response she offers for anyone who feels the pace moving faster than it should.

Topics: love bombing, relationship manipulation, toxic relationships, healthy affection, narcissism relationships

GUEST: Dr. Laurie Betito | drlaurie.com

Originally aired on 2026-05-01

Love bombing is not about the gifts or the attention. Dr. Laurie Betito says it is about the motive and the pattern behind them.
Someone coming on fast with intense affection, constant praise, promises, and grand gestures early in a relationship can feel like exactly what you wanted. Dr. Laurie Betito says that is the point. The goal in toxic cases is to lower your defenses quickly, create dependency, and then shift to control once you are locked in. Inside existing relationships, the same behavior shows up differently: as a way to reset after conflict without resolving anything, or as a smoke screen for something the other person does not want discovered.
Dr. Laurie Betito says healthy affection is consistent and respectful. Love bombing is excessive, fast-moving, and tied to insecurity or manipulation. Putting the brakes on and requiring someone to earn trust over time is the clearest response she offers for anyone who feels the pace moving faster than it should.
Topics: love bombing, relationship manipulation, toxic relationships, healthy affection, narcissism relationships
GUEST: Dr. Laurie Betito | drlaurie.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-01

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.