People who deliberately exploit vulnerability in others do exist, and psychology research does recognise patterns sometimes associated with grooming, coercive control, manipulation, fraud, or exploitative relationship behaviour.

A more balanced and accurate way to describe it would be:

Periods of major life change can leave people emotionally vulnerable.

Divorce.
Bereavement.
Financial instability.
Loneliness.
Illness.
Relocation.
Emotional exhaustion after long-term stress or abusive relationships.

During these times, the nervous system is often operating in survival mode. Neuroscience shows that prolonged stress can affect decision-making, emotional regulation, trust perception, and attachment behaviour. People may crave reassurance, safety, validation, connection, or emotional relief more intensely than usual.

Unfortunately, this vulnerability can sometimes attract exploitative individuals.

Psychology and abuse research describe certain behavioural patterns often seen in manipulative or opportunistic dynamics, including:

• rapid emotional intensity
• excessive flattery or “love bombing”
• mirroring interests and values very quickly
• creating artificial emotional closeness
• pushing for dependency or exclusivity early on
• exploiting financial, emotional, or practical vulnerabilities
• boundary testing disguised as romance or care
• isolating someone from outside perspectives
• alternating charm with withdrawal or guilt

Not everyone who behaves intensely or forms fast connections is manipulative. Genuine attraction and strong chemistry can happen naturally.

The important distinction is consistency, respect, and intent over time.

Healthy relationships allow:

• boundaries
• independent thinking
• outside friendships
• emotional safety
• gradual trust-building
• and freedom without fear or pressure

Exploitative dynamics often move in the opposite direction:
toward dependency, confusion, urgency, and imbalance.

One of the most important things people recovering from difficult life experiences can learn is this:

vulnerability is not weakness.

It is part of being human.

The responsibility for exploitation always belongs to the person choosing to manipulate or take advantage of another person’s emotional state.

At the same time, awareness matters.

Learning to slow down emotionally, observe consistency over time, maintain trusted support networks, and listen to your own discomfort can help protect against unhealthy dynamics developing unnoticed.

Because genuine love does not need to rush vulnerability in order to survive.