Almost everyone who is targeted by a sociopath in a romantic relationship experiences love bombing — over-the-top attention and affection. In my book, Red Flags of Love Fraud — 10 signs you’re dating a sociopath, Red Flag #4 is love bombing. When they're in full seduction mode, sociopaths want to be with you all the time, and if they're not physically with you, they want to be in constant communication with you. They proclaim their love — quickly, frequently and persistently. Most of us interpret this ceaseless devotion as an indication that our new partner is truly smitten. But it's not love — it's love bombing. Unlike true love, love bombing is insincere. It is not an …
Asking the wrong question about coercive controllers
UPDATED FOR 2026. Coercive control is a pattern of assault, threats, humiliation, intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten the victim. Where does this behavior come from? A Lovefraud reader sent me an article by Dr. Emma Katz, who describes herself as a “globally respected expert in coercive control, domestic violence and domestic abuse.” I invite you to read the article: She didn’t “pick wrong.” Society failed by creating millions of abusive men. In her article, Katz says there are so many abusers in the world that “we need to stop blaming women for ‘ignoring red flags’ when men turn out to be controlling and abusive partners.” I listened to Katz …
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Sociopaths exploit everyone in their lives
Here’s a fact that many people have a hard time wrapping their brains around: Sociopaths exploit everyone in their lives. On Lovefraud, we spend a lot of time talking about how sociopaths seduce caring, unsuspecting people into romantic relationships. Then, once they’re hooked, sociopaths treat them with unbelievable meanness and cruelty. Well, guess what. Sociopaths do that to everyone — family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even, sometimes, random strangers. They are equal opportunity manipulators. Definition of a sociopath First of all, whom are we talking about? My friend and colleague, Dr. Liane Leedom, defines a sociopath as “someone who preys on …