When dating after 40, 50, or 60 & beyond, there’s nothing more confusing or more intoxicating than meeting someone who comes in fast, intense, and unforgettable. The deep eye contact. The constant attention. The “you’re everything I’ve ever wanted” within days.

It feels like soulmate energy. But in reality? It’s often love bombing and it leaves emotional fallout that can feel like heartbreak, rejection, and self-doubt all at once.

In this powerful solo episode, Karen dives deep into:

✨ Why love bombing happens (psychology + emotional motives) ✨ Why it affects people in midlife dating more intensely ✨ The nervous system response that creates emotional addiction ✨ The signs of real love vs. manipulative intensity ✨ How to protect your heart while still staying open to healthy connection ✨ Healing the wounds that make us vulnerable to fast intimacy ✨ Raising your standards for dating after 40 ✨ How to rebuild your confidence and trust in yourself

I also shares a raw, personal client story, a 6-week whirlwind that felt like destiny… until it vanished without warning. Her experience mirrors what so many men and women face: the shock, the confusion, and the grief that comes after the love bomber disappears.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

— Fallen for someone too fast — Questioned your intuition — Confused intensity with true emotional safety — Experienced dating trauma or sudden withdrawal — Wondered why love bombing hurts more in midlife

Listen now and reclaim your power. Real love is slow, conscious, grounded and consistent. It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t overwhelm. It chooses you steadily.

Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder, and tag me on Instagram @kmlm21 with your biggest takeaway.

Your reinvention begins when you choose truth over illusion.

Definitions: 🔹 Dopamine — The “Rush”

Dopamine is the brain’s reward chemical. It gives you that high, electric feeling when someone showers you with attention, compliments, or fast emotional intensity. It creates craving and makes early connection feel addictive.

🔹 Oxytocin — The “Bond”

Oxytocin is the attachment hormone released through closeness, affection, sex, and deep conversation. It makes you feel connected, safe, and trusting — which is why love bombing can feel like instant soul-connection.

🔹 Serotonin — The “Stability”

Serotonin keeps your mood steady and your thinking grounded. During intense early dating, serotonin can drop, making you anxious, obsessive, and more dependent on the person giving you those highs.

Host:Follow Karen Larrea on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kmlm21/ Website: www.karenlarrea.com

🎧 Tune in now on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify and be inspired. Be sure to subscribe, share and rate Reinvention Real Talk. View episodes on YouTube @KarenLarrea