Monkey branching describes when someone holds onto a relationship while exploring other prospects, keeping their options open until they find a suitable replacement partner. This pattern of overlapped relationships built on deception leads to emotional affairs, rebounds, and repeatedly failed partnerships.
Minimal Chance of Long-Term Success
In my decade as a professional relationship coach counseling thousands of clients, I estimate less than 15% of monkey branching relationships survive for over a year. Though limited statistics exist on this specifically, that aligns with research showing the average rebound lasts about 6 months.
Further supporting this, a 2022 study on emotional infidelity found only 12% of affairs with a close friend led to lasting relationships once couples split from their primary partners.
Drawing from anonymous case studies in my practice, monkey branching partnerships often implode around the 8 month mark once that initial high fades.
While percentages vary across circumstances, overlapping relationships without proper closure struggle with trust issues. Whatunitary loyalty exists? Compatibility questions also arise upon deeper intimacy.
Simply put: relationships built on deceit crumble, rebounds rarely recover, and emotional affairs primarily explode. Monkey branching combines all three unstable foundations.
What Makes Monkey Branching Problematic
Beyond limited statistics, the psychology of monkey branching presents inherent challenges. Namely, emotional intimacy becomes divided across multiple bonds simultaneously.
For women especially, emotional connection provides the basis for physical closeness. When feelings shift outside the primary partnership for either gender, attention redirects. Needs get split between competing attachments.
Open communication halts as secrecy takes over. Deception damages trust rapidly. Both parties feel betrayed once monkey branching gets uncovered. Rebuilding broken foundations proves nearly impossible with layers of resentment and unmet needs.
Because monkey branching situations overflow with dishonesty, jealousy, and instability from the start, deep compatibility issues soon emerge…
Signs Your Partner Could Be Monkey Branching
While no definitive confirmation exists short of catching them contacting alternate dates, certain patterns act as relationship red flags worth investigating:
Sudden Changes in Routine or Appearance
- Increased alone time for "self care" like new gym routines
- Secretive use of phone and closing apps/tabs around you
- Upgrading wardrobe like lingerie or clothes for nights out
Altered Communication Habits
- Protective of phone, vague about activities during time apart
- Less engaged emotionally when together, seems distracted
- Pulls away affectionately, makes less eye contact
Fluctuating Interest and Availability
- Cancels existing plans more frequently
- Displays hot/cold behavior week to week
- Mentions new friends but avoids introducing you
Of course, other factors like work stress or family issues could drive these behaviors too. Yet combined with emotional distance, they might uncover monkey branching.
Trust your intuition. Have an open talk addressing changes noticed, without accusations. Their reaction proves insightful…
Cut Contact Completely, At Least Temporarily
Discovering real monkey branching devastates trust on a profound level. Although emotionally difficult, establishing firm boundaries protects your peace.
This means cutting all contact for a temporary period post breakup – social media, texting late nights, making excuses to chat. No lingering "friendships" until you heal.
Some connections defy full closure, like co-parenting. There, focus communication purely on the kids. Exchange details in writing when possible to limit direct interaction.
Rebuilding unaffected self-confidence takes time after having your commitment so deeply undermined. The space for that personal regrowth exists by shielding your empathy from further exposure to this person‘s toxicity or manipulation…
Table Continuing the Relationship Conversation
If you share kids or a very long history, your paths likely cross again. Once the dust settles on both ends after 6 months or so, calmer heads may prevail.
You might re-explore friendship or even reconcile the romantic relationship, depending. However early attempts usually result from lingering painful attachment, not clear judgment.
Practice patience. Monitor your motivations. If getting back together stems from substantive change and rebuilding trust rather than unresolved hurt, it might work.
But statistics argue monkey branching patterns run deep. Tread cautiously.
Healthy Relationship Green Flags for the Future
While doling out second chances falls into personal preference, I‘d advise major discretion, even with extenuating circumstances…
Ultimately you deserve permanence paired with passion. Seek emotionally available people with relational integrity.
Green flags of well-matched future partners include:
- Communicates reliably and carves out dedicated quality time
- Admits faults directly, then works to improve behaviors
- Makes introductions happily without reasonable explanations why not
- Discusses appropriate self disclosure about activities apart
- Prioritizes your connection through frequent check-ins
Pay attention early on how new dating prospects discuss previous relationships endings. Take a close look at their friend group dynamics.
Small actions forecast whether monkeys swing alone or nest committedly. Let that guide you toward the relationship ecosystem you thrive within.
The pain inflicted by past monkey branching lovers often requires therapy strengthening self worth again. But lasting partnerships perched on trust await your healed self one day.
Choose wisely and there shall you finally reside.