WarningDating Patterns
Monkey branching
/ˈmʌŋ.ki ˌbɹæntʃ.ɪŋ/
Securing a new partner before letting go of the current one, the way a monkey grabs the next branch before releasing the last. Ends in a clean swap.
Etymology & origin
Derived from the physical action of a monkey swinging through trees, who never lets go of one branch until they have a secure grip on the next.
✦ Relationship psychology
Driven by deep-seated fears of being alone, low self-worth, and a constant need for external romantic validation to regulate self-esteem.
Live texting example
How did you and your ex break up?
Oh, we were drifting, and then I met you at the café! We broke up two days later, and now here we are.
Boundary guide: how to respond
- 1Be careful: If they did it *with* you, they might eventually do it *to* you.
- 2Encourage them to take space to heal before diving into commitment with you.
#overlap#rebound#monophobia#insecurity
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