Friendship Bombing: 5 Signs Your New Friendship Is Moving Too Fast

First, love bombing is "a form of emotional manipulation used to gain power over a person by showering them with what appears to be tons of affection and attention," Spirit, Ph.D., LPC, licensed counselor and host of OWN's Love Goals, previously told mbg.

Friends love bomb for a variety of reasons, says Levine.

A person may love bomb when they feel undeserving of the friendship, for example.

"Healthy friendships need to be reciprocal, with both friends feeling equal," Levine says.

They may be feeling down and relying on their friend to boost them up. If a person has very few or no other friends, they might cling to this friendship and come on too strong (especially if they realize that the friendship means way more to them than to the other person). They also might be jealous of their friend's other friends or relationships.

When a friendship moves too quickly, it can feel overwhelming.

That's because it typically takes some time for people to get to know, trust, and respect one another, Levine says.

"If things feel like they are developing too quickly, slow it down by diluting the friendship (either having less contact or seeing the individual in a group setting)," Levine says.

It's also helpful to keep in mind that friendships are "voluntary," she says.

"You have the right to say no when you don't feel comfortable," Levine says.

You can also rarely go wrong with communicating your feelings—especially if you want to continue the friendship in a healthier way.

Find a time when you and your friend are relaxed and have some privacy to start an honest discussion with them about their behavior, Levine advises.

During the conversation, you'll want to explain how you're feeling, reassure them that you value your friendship, give them space to share their own feelings, then set clear boundaries for your friendship going forward, Levine says.

"For example, explain that you aren't comfortable talking more than once a day or once a week (whatever feels right for you). That you have a circle of friends and don't want to have an exclusive relationship. That you need some time for yourself, etc. That you are uncomfortable receiving expensive gifts," Levine says.

If they refuse to respect your boundaries, perhaps that's a sign that the friendship shouldn't continue.