The Anatomy of Love Bombing

At the time, it felt like the best thing ever. Looking back, you can see it was all strategy.

This article is part of the Freedom of Mind Cults 101 series, which explores the stories of cult survivors and core concepts of manipulation and undue influence. Understanding these patterns protects not just you, but the people you care about.

There’s someone I know, and a story I’d like to share with you.

The names have been changed, but the story is real, and I have permission to share it.

Maya was seventeen when missionaries from the Mormon church (LDS) began recruiting her. New school, new town, no friends, chaotic home life. She was lonely in that particularly intense way that teenagers often feel lonely. She was seeking meaning and was passionate about blogging about ideas such as morality, philosophy, and spirituality at the time.