In the world of romance, there’s a fine line between passionate pursuit and coming on too strong.

Often, people blur this line without even realizing it.

They’re so focused on expressing their feelings that they overlook how their actions may be perceived.

As Tina Fey, founder of the Love Connection blog and a relationship expert, I’ve seen countless examples of this.

People who are genuinely interested in someone else end up pushing them away because they don’t understand the difference between showing interest and overwhelming someone.

In this article, I’m going to share eight behaviors that typically signal someone is coming on too strong in a potential romantic relationship – and they might not even realize it.

So, let’s dive in!

1) Going zero to hundred

When it comes to love, pacing is everything.

Most of us remember the thrill of a new romantic interest.

The butterflies in your stomach, the constant texting, the desire to see them as much as possible. It’s a rush, isn’t it?

But some people take this to an extreme level without even realizing it.

They go from zero to hundred really fast – declaring profound feelings, planning future dates, or getting overly physical before they’ve barely gotten to know the person.

This behavior can be overwhelming and intimidating for the other person.

It’s like going on a leisurely stroll and suddenly finding yourself in a marathon without any warning.

But love isn’t a race. It’s okay to take your time and let things unfold naturally.

That way, you can build a strong foundation for a lasting relationship instead of scaring someone away with too much too soon.

2) Ignoring personal boundaries

Respect for personal boundaries is fundamental in any relationship, but it’s especially crucial in the early stages of romance.

I’ve seen many relationships falter because one person didn’t respect the other’s boundaries.

They called at inappropriate times, showed up unannounced, or asked deeply personal questions too soon.

This behavior can feel invasive and disrespectful.

It can make the other person feel as if their personal space and privacy is not being respected.

Respect for personal boundaries is a sign of respect for the person.

Don’t let your enthusiasm for a new relationship override your respect for the other person’s comfort and privacy.

3) Being overly dependent

In a healthy relationship, both partners should have their individual lives, interests, and social circles.

However, I’ve seen instances where people become overly dependent on their partners, expecting them to fill all their emotional needs right from the get-go.

This can be suffocating for the other person and puts an unfair amount of pressure on them.

It’s important to foster a sense of individuality even while nurturing a budding relationship.

Being overly dependent reeks of codependency, a topic I dive deep into in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

If you’re noticing this behavior in your own relationship, it might be helpful to read up on this subject.

You’ll learn how to identify codependent behaviors and strategies to overcome them.

4) Over-gifting

Over-gifting in the early stages of a relationship can come off as trying too hard to impress or win over the other person.

It creates an imbalance and can make the recipient feel obligated or pressured.

It’s important to remember that the best gifts are those that show you’ve been paying attention to the other person’s likes and interests – not those that come with a hefty price tag.

5) Non-stop texting

As a relationship expert, I understand the excitement of a new romantic interest.

You want to talk to them all the time, share every thought, every feeling.

However, excessive texting can sometimes be more stifling than sweet.

Non-stop texting doesn’t give the other person a chance to miss you.

It can feel intrusive, especially if they’re busy or need some space.

It’s important to understand that everyone has their own life and it’s okay not to be in constant communication.

Trust me, I’ve been there too.

In my early dating years, I would get carried away with the excitement and text my interest incessantly.

But with time, I’ve learned that giving someone their space can often bring you closer.

So if you’re hitting send one too many times, it might be a sign you’re coming on too strong. 

6) Moving too fast emotionally

Let’s get real here.

This is one I see all too often – people who dive headfirst into the emotional deep end, without taking the time to test the waters first.

Opening up about your deepest fears, past heartbreaks or family issues too soon can be overwhelming for the other person.

It’s like serving the main course before they’ve had a chance to enjoy the appetizers.

Don’t get me wrong, vulnerability is beautiful.

But it needs to come at the right time and pace.

If you’re sharing your life story on the second date, you might be rushing things emotionally.

It’s okay to gradually reveal yourself and let the other person do the same. 

7) Over-planning the future

There’s something magical about daydreaming about the future with someone you’re falling for.

But when it starts happening too soon, it can be a red flag.

Discussing marriage, kids or moving in together before you’ve established a solid foundation can put undue pressure on the relationship.

It can make the other person feel as if they’re being rushed into decisions they’re not ready for.

As a relationship expert and from personal experiences, I know the importance of living in the present.

Savor each moment as it comes and let the future unfold at its own pace.

8) Ignoring or dismissing their feelings

Now, this is a tough one to swallow.

But if we’re being honest, it’s crucial to address – not taking into account the other person’s feelings.

In the whirlwind of a new romance, it’s easy to get carried away with our own emotions and forget to consider the other person’s.

This can lead to behaviors such as dismissing their concerns, not giving them space when they ask for it, or making decisions without their input.

Doing this can make the other person feel unheard and unimportant.

Relationships are a two-way street, and both parties’ feelings should be acknowledged and respected.

Wrapping up

Navigating the waters of a new romantic relationship can be tricky.

It’s important to strike a balance between expressing genuine interest and giving the other person their space.

If you’re recognizing some of these behaviors in your own relationships, don’t panic.

It’s never too late to make changes.

Remember, self-awareness is the first step towards improvement.

For more insights and strategies on maintaining healthy relationships, you might want to check out my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

It offers practical advice on building strong, independent relationships and overcoming codependent tendencies.