1. Charm Overload and Rapid Intimacy
- They sweep you off your feet extremely quickly (“love bombing”).
- Excessive flattery, gifts, or attention early in the relationship.
- Goal: Lower your defenses and create dependence.
2. Inconsistency & Secretive Behavior
- Stories don’t add up; details change.
- They hide aspects of their life or avoid transparency.
- Often maintain multiple relationships or financial secrets.
3. Emotional Manipulation
- Use guilt, fear, or obligation to control you (“You owe me,” “No one else will understand you”).
- Push boundaries slowly to see what they can get away with.
- Gaslighting: Making you doubt your own perception of reality.
4. Financial Exploitation
- Ask for money, favors, or access to assets early or repeatedly.
- Display a lavish lifestyle they may not be able to sustain.
- Often prey on partners who are financially stable or seeking stability.
5. Victim or Hero Narrative
- Frequently cast themselves as the wounded, misunderstood, or heroic figure.
- Creates sympathy and dependency while masking true intentions.
- May exaggerate hardship to justify control or exploitation.
6. Boundary Testing
- Pushes your limits to see what you will tolerate.
- Ignores “no” or subtle cues of discomfort.
- Over time, your boundaries are eroded, leaving you vulnerable.
7. Pattern Recognition
- Past history of short, intense relationships or repeated crises.
- Has a trail of broken relationships, friends, or financial disputes.
- Often refuses accountability or blames everyone else for conflicts.
⚠️ Quick Tips to Protect Yourself
- Trust instincts: gut feelings are often your first warning.
- Take things slowly: predators rely on speed to overwhelm judgment.
- Maintain independent support networks: friends, family, professionals.
- Verify information: look for inconsistencies in stories or behavior.
- Set firm boundaries: observe reactions—predators resist limits.
