5 Concerning Signs Someone’s Partner Might Be ‘Monkey Branching’ Them, According To Psychology
Monkey-branching is often characteristic of people with narcissistic tendencies.
Juanmonino | Canva How can you tell if your partner is loyal and committed? Elizabeth Shaw is a relationship expert who focuses on the psychology of narcissism and emotional manipulation.
Shaw took to Instagram to shed light on a toxic behavioral pattern called "monkey branching." Defined by its lack of commitment and misuse of trust in relationships, monkey branching is often characteristic among individuals with narcissistic tendencies.
What is monkey branching? According to Shaw, monkey branching is "a behavioral pattern commonly exhibited by individuals with narcissistic tendencies, wherein they quickly transition from one relationship to another without any sense of loyalty or emotional investment."
She clarified that the term derives from how monkeys will quickly move from one branch to another, which "encapsulates the superficiality and lack of commitment that characterizes narcissistic relationships." If you worry that your significant other falls under that category, Shaw gave some eye-opening guidance
Here are concerning signs someone's partner might be monkey-branching them:
1. They instigate an affair
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According to Shaw, one of the key indicators of monkey branching is instigating an affair. By doing so, they can effortlessly pivot to another relationship devoid of emotional attachment.
For some, this may come as the most obvious sign. But it's important to keep in mind that a partner who is "monkey branching" is often manipulative and may try to convince you that the affair was not their fault.
Shaw's next sign may come hand in hand with instigating an affair.
2. They stil have connections with exes
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Continued contact with multiple past partners can also suggest potential monkey branching activities. It's a red flag that suggests divided attention rather than genuine investment in the current relationship. Typically narcissistic, they constantly seek validation and attention from multiple sources, even if it means being disloyal.
A 2020 study confirmed that maintaining connections with exes while in a current relationship can be a sign of monkey branching, a behavior where someone secretly seeks new partners before ending their current relationship. This practice involves actively cultivating emotional or romantic connections with others, often while remaining in a committed relationship, essentially 'branching out' to find a new partner before leaving the present one.
3. They look to gain validation and attention from multiple sources of supply
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Unfortunately, this may go hand in hand with the previous tip. Like wanting to keep connecting with exes, they seek a "constant stream of admiration, validation, and attention from others." What are they looking to gain out of it?
"They seek to establish and maintain a harem of potential partners as a means of bolstering their fragile egos and self-worth," Shaw wrote. "Monkey branching allows them to seamlessly transition from one relationship to another, often without remorse or concern for the emotional well-being of the individuals involved."
Monkey branching, in this context, refers to the behavior of forming new emotional connections while still being in a committed relationship. A 2024 study explained that it's often seen as a way to avoid feeling alone or insecure, and it can be a sign of deeper issues like anxious attachment style or low self-esteem.
4. They want to cause intrigue and excitement
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Often, they are driven by excitement to make decisions, regardless of what consequences may come next. This behavioral trait stems from their underlying desire for novelty. They often get bored when the initial appeal of the relationship has faded and look for something new to regain that feeling.
"They crave the initial stages of a relationship, where they can feel desired and admired. However, once the excitement wanes, they become restless and seek new partners who can rekindle those euphoric feelings," Shaw said.
The driving force behind monkey branching can be a desire for the 'newness' and excitement associated with new romantic connections, often seen as more stimulating than the familiarity of a long-term relationship. It can also be linked to a fear of being alone, a lack of commitment, or dissatisfaction within the current relationship.
5. They're boosting their ego
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Finally, a significant part of a monkey brancher's personality is their predilection toward narcissism. So, it's no surprise that an obvious sign is when they go out of their way to boost their own ego, often at your expense!
"Ultimately, the narcissist's monkey branching behavior reveals their innate self-centeredness and lack of empathy," Shaw wrote. "Their relentless pursuit of self-gratification and a constant stream of external validation often leads to a trail of broken hearts and emotional turmoil."
These signs aren't the end-all when identifying if your partner is a "monkey brancher." However, noticing these red flags can certainly help and should never be dismissed.
Ethan Cotler is a writer living in Boston. His writing covers entertainment, news, and human interest stories.
