Valentine’s is a holiday lovebirds tend to be drawn to, it being to celebrate their love as a whole. It is a holiday considered to be very happy for those in relationships, but not every couple’s situation is so lovely. Instead, it becomes another stressor for those who may struggle.

When talking about all the great things that come with love, it’s important to cover what isn’t healthy in the topic of love. From different attachment styles, harassment, and even physical abuse, not everyone is living a happily ever after story. There are signs of when someone is in such a scenario or walking into one, and everyone needs to know them by heart.

Dating violence is a term most would associate exclusively with bruises and cuts, but it comes in many forms and very rarely starts extreme. One in three teens in the U.S. will be a victim of dating violence in their life in some way shape or form. It often starts by, ironically, love bombing.

Love bombing is an overwhelming amount of affection directed usually in a short frame of time most often with the intent of manipulation. Abusers might do this to get someone attached to them quickly so that when their behavior switches it’s easier for the victim to see past. If someone does this, then begins asking the person it’s applied to do many things for them including things they are adamantly against, it’s possible they love bombed them with that exact intention. 

Another method is isolation, leading someone to spend less and less time with those who aren’t their partner. This makes it harder for a victim to discuss with others the things they are experiencing and get an outside perspective, which in turn makes it harder for them to receive or seek help. If someone is in this situation, they can seek online support from groups like Loveisrespect which has both typed and phone lines, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

For those who are not comfortable speaking to strangers on hotlines directly, teachers and counselors on campus are always available. Any trusted adult in general is a great option for those who are minors in need of help out of a situation. Additionally, any student in general who needs to report something happening on campus can go to the Anonymous Alert system supported by the district.