Monkey branching describes a relational pattern in which a person with 📝Cluster B traits transitions from one romantic relationship to another without a meaningful gap between. They may emotionally or physically engage with a new partner before fully ending the previous relationship, much like a monkey swinging from one branch to the next without letting go of the first.
In the context of 📝Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), this behavior may be rooted in an intense fear of abandonment, an unstable sense of self, or the need for constant validation. It often reflects difficulty tolerating emotional aloneness, and can be perceived as betrayal by those on the receiving end. This behavior is often justified internally by the person as a survival strategy rather than an ethical breach.