7 signs someone is jumping into a new relationship while involved with their partner

Monkey branching occurs when someone begins forming a new romantic connection before ending their current one.

Much like a monkey swinging from one branch to another, it means holding on to one relationship while already reaching for another.

“Monkey branching is basically emotional hedging. The person wants to make sure there’s another branch to latch on to before they risk breaking up with their current partner,” says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist.

This kind of behavior often stems from fear—fear of being alone, fear of rejection, or fear of facing emotional pain.

And while some may view it as a way to avoid heartbreak, experts say it often causes deeper damage, leading to emotional betrayal and long-term trust issues.

What studies reveal about monkey branching and infidelity

Research has long explored why people engage in cheating or infidelity, and what emotional needs drive it.

One major study, “The interplay of attachment styles and marital infidelity: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” found that attachment styles play a significant role in these behaviors.

Individuals with anxious or avoidant attachment styles are more likely to exhibit patterns associated with monkey branching.

Those with fearful or preoccupied tendencies often look for emotional closeness or self-esteem boosts from someone new.

On the other hand, individuals with a dismissive style tend to value independence and autonomy.

Gender also plays a role. Women often look for emotional security outside their current relationship. In contrast, men—especially younger ones—are more likely to pursue casual outside connections.

The study suggests that such attachment patterns explain why some people struggle to fully commit or end one relationship before starting another.

It also helps therapists understand how emotional needs and fears influence infidelity and emotional withdrawal.

Is it the same as cheating?

The book “Love and Infidelity: Causes and Consequences” explains that emotional connections formed outside a committed relationship can be just as damaging as physical cheating.

While monkey branching might not always involve physical intimacy, it still breaks trust because one partner invests emotionally in someone else.

“When you’re in a committed relationship, including a third party without the consent of a partner infringes on that commitment,” says Claudia de Llano, MFT, told Verywell Mind.

Experts agree that even if the connection hasn’t turned physical, emotional betrayal can cause pain and confusion.

When attention, affection, or time that belongs to one partner is redirected elsewhere, the trust that holds a relationship together begins to erode.

Subtle signs of monkey cheating

Monkey branching can start quietly, but it often leaves noticeable clues. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent deeper heartbreak. According to relationship experts, here are seven common signs:

1. Decline in physical intimacy

Less hugging, kissing, or closeness can signal that their emotional energy is directed elsewhere.

2. Hesitation about future plans

Avoiding discussions about long-term goals or commitments can show uncertainty or preoccupation with someone else.

3. Secrecy about messages or plans

They guard their phone or avoid sharing details about their day, making it hard to know where their attention lies.

4. Frequent talk about other people

Mentioning others they find attractive or comparing them to you may indicate wandering interest.

5. Emotional distance

Your partner seems withdrawn, less affectionate, or disconnected. As Dionne Reid, a relationship mentor, explained to Marriage.com, “Distance in a relationship is often the first sign that someone is already preparing to leave. True intimacy flourishes in presence, not in avoidance.”

6. Frequent flirting

Persistent flirting with others, even subtly, can indicate they are exploring new romantic interests.

7. Prioritizing new connections

Cancelling time together or rearranging schedules to spend more time with someone else clearly shows where their focus has shifted.

The psychology behind monkey branching

Experts say the reasons behind monkey branching are complex but often trace back to emotional fear and avoidance.

Some people cannot bear the thought of being alone, while others crave constant validation to feel worthy of love.

Dr. Romanoff explains that those with low self-esteem or anxious attachment may seek reassurance from someone new instead of confronting problems in their current relationship.

Ending a relationship is emotionally painful, and for many, it feels easier to escape into another connection than to face discomfort.

“Reaching out to another partner before letting go of our current one can stem from many places within us—our instinct for survival, the loneliness we fear, the uncertainty of the future, the conflicts we wish to avoid, and the potential pain we anticipate feeling,” says de Llano.

For some, the thrill of a new beginning or the attention of a new person provides a rush that temporarily masks emotional emptiness.

But experts warn that this quick escape often leads to more confusion and heartbreak.

What to do if your partner is monkey branching?

If you discover signs of monkey branching in your relationship, the first step is not to panic, but to engage in honest communication.

As Reid shares, “Confrontation doesn’t always lead to conflict. Sometimes, it’s the first step towards healing and clarity.”

Choosing a calm moment to talk about your concerns can open a path toward truth and understanding.

Explain how the situation makes you feel and ask your partner to be transparent about their intentions.

Setting boundaries is equally important. Define what trust and respect mean to you, and decide together how to rebuild honesty.

If the issue feels too complex, professional counseling can help both partners explore deeper emotional needs and decide if the relationship can be repaired.

In some cases, it may become clear that rebuilding trust isn’t possible.

That’s when self-reflection becomes vital—understanding what went wrong, healing emotionally, and learning from the experience.

As Reid reminds, “Every relationship is an opportunity for growth, but if the foundation is cracked and someone resorts to escapism, no amount of quick patching will restore it to its original strength.”

Healing beyond monkey branching

Moving on from monkey branching takes time, but it can lead to personal growth and stronger self-awareness.

The goal isn’t just to recover from betrayal but to understand what kind of love feels safe and genuine.

Healing begins with choosing honesty over avoidance and presence over distraction.

Genuine connection flourishes when both partners are fully committed—not out of fear, but from a shared desire to grow together.

Watch Coach Paz Goldman explain why monkey branching never works and how honesty is the key to healthy relationships.