Someone is overwhelming you with attention and affection

They message constantly, shower you with compliments, say you're 'the only one who understands them,' and make you feel like the centre of their world. This intensity feels amazing — but healthy relationships don't start at full speed.

What You Might Notice

• The relationship is moving incredibly fast

  Declarations of love within days or weeks. Talking about a future together before you've really gotten to know each other.

• They're available all the time

  Instant responses to every message, always wanting to talk, checking in constantly. It feels attentive but it's creating dependency.

• They mirror everything about you

  They love the same music, share the same values, have the same dreams. It feels like soulmates but may be calculated reflection.

• They share 'deep secrets' to create false intimacy

  Telling you vulnerable things about themselves early on to encourage you to do the same. This creates a sense of mutual trust that hasn't been earned.

• You feel guilty when you're not available to them

  If you don't respond quickly or need space, they make you feel like you've hurt them. This is the obligation forming.

What You Can Do

• Slow down

  A genuine connection will still be there next week, next month. If someone can't handle you taking things at a comfortable pace, that tells you something.

• Maintain your other relationships

  If you're spending less time with friends and family because of this new person, notice that shift.

• Ask yourself: would I accept this pace from anyone else?

  Remove the feelings for a moment and look at the behaviour pattern. Is this how healthy relationships normally start?

• Talk to someone you trust about the relationship

  Describe what's happening to a friend, family member, or counsellor. Outside perspective can see patterns you're too close to notice.

  Use a safe device if you think your communications might be monitored.