Monkey Branching: What Is It and How to Deal With It

It sometimes seems like romantic bonds have become less important for the current generation. Many bizarre relationships have emerged in the name of love. Divorce in America has been falling fast in recent years, and in 2019 it just hit a 50 year low. According to this survey, for every 1000 marriages in the last year, only 14.9 ended in divorce.

Men are more likely than women to cheat: 20% of men and 13% of women reported that they’d had sex with someone other than their spouse while married, according to data from the recent General Social Survey (GSS).

Given this information, we want to help you find out whether your partner is monkey-branching on you or not. So without further ado, let’s get started!

First of all, let’s understand monkey branching meaning. Basically, this is the act of flirting (considering other options) when you are already in an active relationship with your partner. The reason behind this is to have a sort of a “backup” for love and affection, in case of a breakup.

Why Do People Monkey Branch?

There are many reasons why people fall for monkey branching. The most common reasons are:

Discontentment

When people are dissatisfied with their partners, they tend to look for affection elsewhere, seek what they lack in the wrong place. In return, these unsolved problems pass on to the next relationship. A good example is the so-called “grass is greener on the other side” syndrome – when the potential cheater believes that other partners will bring more love and happiness than their current one.

Insecurity

Insecurity can be a wrecking ball of many relationships due to trust issues. For example, a woman may date an older man who is not in her social status, just to benefit materially. At the same time, she may have another man to run to when things might go south. If the man finds out, possibilities are high that he will initiate reverse monkey branching

So as you see, such an act is filled with mistrust and insecurities that are damaging not only to the couple but other people involved.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure from friends has the power of influencing a man or a woman to flirt around. As they say, “Show me your friends and I will tell who you are.” This is not far from the truth because some friends may enable you to start monkey branching, because of their reasons – whether it’s a misunderstanding, jealousy, or actual concern. So it’s always important to notice some toxic people in your surroundings.

The Grass is Greener Syndrome

GIGS is common in monkey branching. This symptom means that a partner goes to look for love in another relationship while thinking that things are better on the other side.

What Kind of Person is Tend to Monkey Branching?

A person who does monkey branching usually displays the following characteristics:

• Constant flirting
• Low Self-esteem guided by the “Law of Attraction“
• Insecurity
• Emotional dependence
• Unhappiness and Dissatisfaction
• Habit of fault-finding

Maybe you have been dating for a while, and then all of a sudden, you suspect that your partner is monkey branching. That’s not an uncommon suspicion even among married couples, as many married women often ask: “What are the signs my husband is not attracted to me?” That goes for men too. So what are these signs?

Well, chances are that you will notice weird behaviors from your partner. If you’re involved with such a toxic person, here are some of the monkey branching signs that they will show.

Ignorance and secrecy

Your partner might ignore you by not picking your call or replying to messages. In case they respond, it will be on a later date. They may also refuse to show up with you in public places like before. Furthermore, they will hide their messages or even put passwords in their gadgets.

Sudden change in behavior

Your partner may exhibit some funny behaviors like showing a lack of interest in you and things happening in your life. They may start unnecessary fights now and then without a proper reason.

Constant Flirting

Your partner may keep on flirting with anyone they meet. These acts can be noticed when they spend most of their time phone chatting.

Unspecific friends

If your partner has a lot of random friends, that he refuses to introduce you to, that’s a pretty alarming sign.

However remember that everyone is entitled to their privacy, so don’t get mad if your partner refuses to spend time with you, pick up calls, and especially show their messages. We all want to have some time alone. This is where you have to be certain that something is wrong. Talk to your partner, and from there you will feel whether something is wrong – communication is the key to a healthy relationship!

Staying in an unhealthy relationship is pointless; it breaks the strong bond built by both parties.

So if your partner is monkey branching, there are several things you should consider:

• Don’t provoke them as it can make things worse.
• Discuss the state of your relationship.
• Seek counseling to restore peace and happiness.
• Don’t force your partner to continue with the relationship if they’re fully aware of their deeds and have no remorse.

Monkey branching relationships start with a lot of energy: from physical to emotional attractions. But in reality, they never last. The other partner may continue their monkey branching streak, thus breaking your heart. However it all comes down to your communication, and what is the nature of your relationship.

There are several self-help tips, that will prevent monkey branching:

• Build self-esteem and confidence
• Find happiness even in the little things
• Don’t depend on other people to find happiness
• Build inner peace and mindfulness
• Seek medical assistance for counseling
• Work on your moral values – respect and love yourself

Even despite everything said, there are plenty of couples that remain faithful, so there’s no need to turn cynical and believe that you will never find a faithful partner. If you feel like you’re in an unhealthy relationship – don’t spend your time wishing to get a substitute. Your comfort around this person is crucial, and if you don’t feel any – that’s a big red flag.

Keep out tips in mind, trust your instincts, and hope you can find happiness and peace despite everything!