""Monkey branching is when a person stays in their current relationship, even though they know they want to leave, in order to line up their next partner," said clinical psychologist Sabrina Romanoff. The idea is that by monkey branching (or "monkey barring"), you can avoid having to be alone after a relationship ends. There's no real "break" after the breakup, as you've already formed romantic interest in someone else."
""This can look like having a partner while getting to know someone new through flirting, emotional texting or sharing private struggles in your current relationship," said Julie Nguyen, a dating coach with the dating app Hily. "It begins emotionally as your energy and investment shifts away from the relationship you're in." In this way, monkey branching is a form of emotional cheating."
Monkey branching occurs when a person remains in a relationship while intentionally lining up a new partner to avoid being alone after a breakup. The behavior involves shifting emotional energy and investment away from the current partner and toward a potential future one through flirting, emotional texting, or sharing private struggles. Individuals often rationalize the behavior as keeping options open, but it functions as emotional cheating and undermines trust. The approach prevents a genuine break and can cause hurt, resentment, and unstable transitions between partners. Healthier alternatives include honest communication, ending relationships before pursuing new ones, and allowing time for recovery.
Read at HuffPost
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