Floodlighting: The Manipulative Relationship Trend
What is Floodlighting?
Modern dating and relationships have become increasingly complex. New dating terms and trends continue to emerge, reflecting the changing nature of relationships. One such toxic dating trend is floodlighting, which is often used by people to manipulate others.
Floodlighting involves sharing a lot of personal details all at once, to test the waters, speed up intimacy, or see if the other person can ‘handle’ these parts of you. While vulnerability is key to a strong relationship, timing matters. Oversharing too soon can leave you open to exploitation by someone who doesn’t truly have your best interests at heart.
Red Flags to Look Out For
- They may immediately launch into deeply personal stories
- They may reveal intimate details while giving you little chance to speak
- The conversation is often one-sided, filled with emotional narratives designed to build an instant connection
- You might also notice them carefully observing your reactions, assessing whether they’ve drawn you in.
If someone is floodlighting, it can make the person on the receiving end feel suffocated. Handling such intense disclosures and emotions in a short period can be incredibly taxing.
Staying Safe from Floodlighting
Those who truly like you won’t force you into anything and would be kind to you. If you feel manipulated or guilt-tripped by someone you have just met, beware. You could be floodlighted, and it would lead to imbalance in your relationship, which could also turn toxic in the long run.
In such situations, it is better to stay single than be with someone who is wrong for your emotional and mental health.
