'Monkey Branching' Could Explain Why Narcissists Never Stay Single

"Monkey branching refers to lining up a new relationship before fully leaving the current one. This behavior reflects a consistent and recognizable pattern. The narcissist moves from one relationship to another, similar to how a monkey swings from one branch to the next."

"Once the new connection feels secure, the narcissist typically devalues their current partner, treating them with increasing coldness before initiating an abrupt breakup and an immediate transition into the new partnership. To justify the quick replacement, the narcissistic partner often rewrites the history of the relationship."

"Monkey branching can involve flirting, sexting and/or cultivating secret emotional bonds ― and deceptively dismissing the situation as 'just friends' if their partner inquires."

Monkey branching, also called monkey barring, is a strategic behavior where narcissists establish new romantic connections while remaining in their current relationships. This pattern involves flirting, sexting, or cultivating secret emotional bonds while dismissing these actions as innocent friendships. Once the new connection feels secure, the narcissist devalues their current partner through increasing coldness before abruptly ending the relationship and immediately transitioning to the new partner. To justify the quick replacement, narcissists often rewrite relationship history, claiming they were never happy. Psychology experts identify this as a hallmark of narcissistic relationship patterns driven by the narcissist's need for constant excitement and stimulation.

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