It seems that modern dating and relationships have become more complex with time. With the dating world constantly evolving, new dating terms and trends keep emerging that reflect how relationships are changing in contemporary times. One such new toxic dating trend is floodlighting, which is often used by people to manipulate others. Meanwhile, those who are being floodlighted may initially feel loved, but in the long run, it only leads to them being emotionally drained. So, what is floodlighting, and how do you stay safe from it? Read on to know more about this shocking relationship trend:
Floodlighting: A form of emotional manipulation?
Have you ever been on a first date with someone and noticed that they have opened up to you too soon? So much so that you end up feeling bad for them, and even go out of your way to help them? Well, chances are that you are being floodlighted by the other person for their gains, like speeding up intimacy.
Sharing more details about this toxic dating trend, Jessica Alderson, co-founder of So Synced– a dating app, told Glamour, “It 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 in some cases people might genuinely open up to you in the initial dates, but in most cases this is just a calculated, sinister move to manipulate you.
Oversharing often leads to the other person trusting the emotional trickster too quickly early on in the relationship. However, it only leads to emotional manipulation and getting too close, too soon in the relationship.
“Vulnerability is key to a strong relationship, but timing matters… Oversharing too soon can leave you open to exploitation by someone who doesn’t truly have your best interests at heart,” Jessica Alderson further said.

Red flags to look out for while dating someone new
If you encounter a flood lighter, watch out for some key warning signs:
– 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.
Remember, those who truly like you won’t force you into anything and would be kind to you. So, 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.
“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,” Alderson added.
In such situations, it is better to stay single than be with someone who is wrong for your emotional and mental health.