What Is Monkey Branching? 20 Signs and What to Do

You often hear friends talk about monkey branching, and they warn you about it. But, unfortunately, you’re clueless about it.

How can you be careful about monkey branching if you don’t know what it is? Thus, you begin asking friends and colleagues what it is.

Few people know about monkey branching; thus, they’re unaware if they’re doing it or if their current partner is doing it.

Fortunately, you come across this article to get your answers. So kindly read on to learn about monkey branching, its signs, and what you can do about it.

What Is Monkey Branching?

Relationships where one person continues to see other people while still in a primary partnership, are known as monkey branching.

A monkey-branching person might send text messages, telephone calls, flirtations, and even go on dates without their partner.

A person halfway through the door can be in a romantic relationship with a monkey-branching guy.

A person will not fully commit to the ongoing relationship and may keep their options open.

Why Are People Monkey Branching?

Monkey branching is more common in relationships that are starting to fade or where a better match is possible.

It may occur if the monkey brancher feels unmet needs or sees a better match with someone else.

Someone may monkey branch if they are unsatisfied with their current lover or want to make their new partner jealous.

Monkey branching can also occur when people get bored with their partners or want to make them jealous by showing off other prospective partners.

It can be due to anger, revenge, or hurt feelings. Monkey branching can also be due to internal causes such as low confidence and morals.

A monkey branching behavior can also lead to seeking another committed relationship from one’s current one.

Seeking out someone else for emotional support and happiness might also lead to doing so.

If a failed relationship ends, trying to solve prior problems might also prompt someone to find a safety net or a backup.

If you are looking for monkey branching behavior, look for your new guy during the early stages of their partners behavior.

Stages of Monkey Branching

Initial Attraction

During the first phase of monkey branching, your new person will exchange telephone numbers with their new crush and begin flirting.

Consistent Talking and Texting

Once you have swapped numbers, this person wants to maintain your attraction.

While they may not go on dates, they will constantly chat or talk on the phone, not with their friends.

Secrets

During this phase, a monkey brancher will begin keeping secrets. They will become more private with their mobile phone and may start hiding their location.

Verbal Arguments

You will have noticed that something is wrong at this point.

Disappointments

Your monkey branching partner will actively begin disappointing you if you don’t end the relationship by now. For example, they might suddenly become too busy for you. If you notice this occurrence, act before it gets to the next stage.

Walking Out

At the end of the monkey branching process, you’ll still wonder, ‘Why?’

You’ll want to stay extra vigilant for these signals so you can stop them from happening to you.

Personality Traits of a Monkey Brancher

Low Self-Esteem                       

People with low confidence constantly seek the attention and validation of others, which is why they cheat or monkey branch.

Because of their low self-esteem, they are unaware of their values and constantly seek new relationships.

Therefore, they are “jumping from branch to branch.” When they don’t find what they are looking for in their current relationship, they quickly move on to a new partner.

Mood Swings

Your monkey branching partner’s mood changes frequently, and you are never safe.

Everything is fine with them at once, but once they call “basketball with friends” or return from the phone, you see that they are not as gentle and emotional, which occurs every day.

The problem is that your partner is searching for emotional stability but has found it elsewhere.

Manipulation

People who cheat tend to be adept at manipulating others. For example, they effectively control the emotions of others.

When “caught in the act,” they typically attribute their errors to the blame of their partner.

The need to manipulate others, especially in a relationship, is due to the partner’s insecurities.

For example, if you believe they are doing something behind your back, a good manipulator can make you think that you are incorrect, thanks to your motivations.

20 Signs of Monkey Branching

1.    Change in Looks

If someone changes drastically in appearance from one moment to the next, that may be a sign that they’re monkey branching.

They might be dressing up to impress someone else or changing their appearance in any other way.

2.    Secretive About Their Activities

If your partner can’t tell you about their activities, there is a high chance that they’re stepping out of your relationship.

They can’t account for their time, which is an obvious clue that something is up. 

Monkey branching is a typical deceit—people who monkey branch often lie about their activities.

If their phone is out of charge, this can signify monkey branching. It is a common plight if you wonder where your partner can be.

Monkey branching is how we all feel when we ask, ‘Where are you?’ after getting stuck in traffic.

3.    Spend Too Much Time on the Phone

When your partner uses the telephone excessively, this may signify monkey branching.

It’s common for people to check their phones often, but if they constantly stare at them while present or while being with friends, there might be another cause.

If they frequently take phone calls from unknown numbers, this might also be an indication.

Your partner may become more selective about their phone in addition to spending excessive time on the telephone.

You might notice that their passwords change if you share passwords.

If you confront them about it, they attempt to defend themselves. They may also delete their call history and messages.

4.    Change in Attention and Physical Intimacy

When your partner displays monkey branching, you can expect a significant change in affection.

You may notice them giving you less physical attention and being less interested in your needs.

It might entail them not having sexual intercourse as much or not paying more attention to you. In addition, you may notice your partner as less caring and distant to you.

They might try to fool you into thinking they care for you more than they do to throw you off the scent.

5.    Use of Dating Apps

If you see dating apps on your phone or receive an email from a dating website, your partner is likely monkey branching.

Monkey branching is the act of establishing a security guarantee if your relationship falters.

Monkey branching is the most obvious indication that they prefer to have a safety net.

Even if you met on a dating app, you and your partner should deactivate your profiles to show your commitment to your relationship.

6.    Change in Hobbies and Behavior

If you notice your partner engages in new activities and there’s a behavior change, monkey branching might occur.

His behavior would dramatically change, and he would develop new interests. But, unfortunately, he might also stop putting in as much effort as before.

Furthermore, he might start visiting new locations. It would help if you also were looking for a change in his behavior.

If he began visiting nightclubs and bars in more significant numbers, this indicates that he might be searching for alternatives.

7.    Increased Criticism of Your Negative Traits

A monkey branching partner will seek to find any fault in your character and use that as an excuse to escape accountability for their wrongful behavior. 

Because of this, a monkey branching partner will scrutinize your negative qualities whenever there is a dispute.

Whenever you make a mistake, it is never your fault. But, according to a monkey brancher, you are the one who always commits errors.

Thus, if you notice such behaviors in your partner, it is most likely that they are monkey branching.

A monkey-branching person will look for problems and be extra fault-finding of your looks.

8.    Increased Accusations and Projection of Fear

If your partner accuses you of things they do themselves, this could signify monkey branching.

As monkey branching begins, your lover will project their fear onto you. They might also accuse you of what they did to make it look like they’re innocent.

They will also blame you for things they have done, making you appear innocent.

If your partner begins acting in this manner, be cautious. It may be monkey branching territory.

It is because no one thinks of someone else as a target for no reason.

The monkey brancher will use any possible justification to pin the blame on you because, deep down, they recognize that what they are doing is wrong.

9.    Several Past Relationships

You should be careful if your lover has had many past relationships because monkeys branching partners tend to have a lot of ex-partners.

If they have dated so many people before, there is a high chance that they may be a monkey-branching partner. It might be especially true if they broke up very quickly.

If someone quickly jumps from one past relationship to another, they will likely be somewhat committed to their current relationship.

10. Heightened Flirting

You are probably in a good relationship if it suddenly becomes smooth.

However, monkey branching could happen if he starts flirting with the server or another female passerby. Females could also do it.

If your girlfriend starts flirting with other males, she could be preparing to monkey branch.

A monkey branch could occur in various ways, including physical flirting, text messages, late-night phone calls, and online messages.

Be careful if you see any of these signs of flirting.

11. You Don’t Know Their Partner’s Friends

If your partner monkey branches, they will frequently attempt to keep away their buddies from you. Even when everything goes perfectly well, monkey branching can occur.

For example, if your partner is monkey branching, they won’t invite you to a gathering of buddies or family members.

They may only invite you to meet up with their friends occasionally.

In most cases, if they are reluctant to meet your buddies, they are not fully invested in your relationship.

12. Slowed Down Communication When Apart

If your partner begins to avoid communicating with you, monkey branching may occur.

They may text you while away, but their communications slow as monkey branching starts to occur.

When dealing with a reduced communication situation, they can become defensive or may claim to be too busy with work.

Look for the other signs on this list if you notice them; if you do, you are in a monkey-branching relationship.

13. Rough Patches in the Relationship

Even the most harmonious of relationships will experience some difficulties. If you discern that your challenges never cease, it’s time to do some deep thinking.

Is your partner dissociating themselves, or is he already going forward from your relationship? If so, they may be monkey branching.

14. Insecure Partner

Some individuals have lower confidence than others. We all have our insecurities. Some people, however, have more insecurities than others.

If your partner wants to avoid working on their more profound issues and focus on their lack of confidence, they may end up in an endless cycle of validation-seeking behavior.

It is only sometimes the case that insecure individuals are monkey branchers. However, your partner may monkey-branch you when insecurity adds to the mix.

15. Gaslighting

A monkey branching behavior is a sign of a toxic relationship. When you call your partner out for it, they make you feel insane.

It is gaslighting 101. Your monkey brancher has shunned the real issue.

16. Weak Moral Compass

You only know each other’s values when a relationship is new. Over time, you learn more about your lover’s morals, core values, and beliefs.

Is your partner lacking in moral standards? Is their behavior indicative of monkey branching?

Pay close attention to their actions and see if there are any indications of monkey branching other than a lack of a solid moral compass.

17. Your Relationship Began Quickly

Did your monkey brancher start dating quickly? If so, you might be dating a monkey brancher.

Generally, monkey branchers go from one partner to another; this is their typical behavior.

18. You’re Not in Their Plans

Consider it a warning sign when your partner doesn’t do anything with you.

In addition, if you and your partner started as a couple doing everything together, it’s a serious red flag if you are no longer part of their plans.

Pay close attention to your partner’s behavior.

19. Lack of Communication

It is hard to communicate with your partner lately. All the discussions are about non-emotional matters.

20. Fewer Activities Together

Your partner no longer offers suggestions on how to spend time together.

Things to Do If Your Partner is a Monkey Brancher

1.    Assess Your Feelings About Your Partner

After you observe most of the signs listed above and believe monkey branching is happening with your partner, the first step is to determine how you feel about them.

If you still love them, do you think advancing with this relationship is worth it? Is there a future with them?

When you know how you feel about your partner, you will be able to have a straightforward conversation and won’t mince words when you confront them.

2.    Confront Your Lover

Once you have clearly stated your feelings, it is time to confront your partner about their monkey branching behavior.

Don’t approach the conversation aggressively, though. Instead, make sure that you select the right moment to speak.

A moment when both of you are relaxed and neither of you is in a rush, is a suitable choice. Don’t begin the conversation in a hostile manner.

Make sure you start the conversation face-to-face. Tell your partner what you think and have observed. Give them a chance to say their feelings and listen to them.

If they admit to monkey branching, you can begin working on your relationship or terminating it.

If they insult your intelligence and out rightly deny it, yet you’re sure they monkey branch, you can terminate the relationship.

3.    Get Out of the Relationship

If your relationship is experiencing monkey branching, and you’ve addressed the issue with your partner, don’t discuss it further.

They cannot fix the problem and are not interested in doing so. If your partner refuses to acknowledge monkey branching, move on. There’s no point discussing it.

4.    Talk to a Therapist

It is hard to end a relationship. Blame yourself for your partner’s monkey branching behavior, but do not. Your partner was accountable for their behavior.

If you seek the help of a therapist or counselor, you can overcome the feeling that you are accountable.

Working on your relationship issues with a dating coach might also help you attract more high-value partners.

Things to Do If You’re a Monkey Brancher

Monkey branching occurs when you seek out multiple partners because you believe your current relationship is unstable.

To avoid monkey branching, you must determine whether your current bond is strong.

If you think it isn’t, you must be open to making significant changes in your life and approach your partner in a new way.

Then, it would help to build a solid bedrock before branching out.

1.    Talk to a Confidant

The first step in stopping monkey branching is to confide in someone you trust.

Talk to them about your issue of monkey branching so you can gain a different perspective.

2.    Boost Your Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem may be the cause behind the monkey branching. Therefore, you should work on your self-esteem problems to cease monkey branching.

You might accomplish it by:  

• A high-quality diet  
• Regular exercise  
• Lots of water  
• Excellent relationships  
• Good friends.

Concentrate more on boosting your self-esteem by focusing on your self-improvement.

Working on your skills when you’re not dating is appropriate. However, working on yourself is always a good idea, even in a romantic partnership.

After a breakup, you have all the time to improve your knowledge, skills, and interests.

You may, for example, read a book instead of meeting up with mates, or you may join a gym rather than strategize about dates with people who aren’t your partner.

3.    Improve Your Morals

Monkey branching is supposedly a form of cheating. Disrespecting your partner and the relationship you’re in by monkey branching is one thing people who cheat do.

So, work on your moral values to stop monkey branching. Ask yourself why you can’t stay with a partner and what dishonesty means.

If you have trouble answering these questions, seek professional assistance.

4.    Talk to a Therapist

Perhaps you always find it difficult to commit because you were abandoned as a child or neglected, which has compelled you to seek love from whoever offers it.

You may seek a therapist’s assistance if you cannot stop your monkey branching behavior.

With the therapist’s support, you will realize why you can’t commit. You will also devise a plan to help you against your monkey branching habit.

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