Monkey-Barring Is the Latest Toxic Dating Trend—Here’s Why It’s Hurting Relationships in 2025
The term monkey-barring is a dating trend that has been around for a while. Monkey-barring, or monkey-branching, is like the name implies. The concept is quite like swinging on monkey bars on a playground; it involves moving from one partner to the next. The problem is that the older one hasn’t ended.
It’s similar to rebounding, which is finding another partner right after a breakup. However, in this trend, people have already started seeing their new partner. It’s serial cheating with a twist. Not only are they serial cheaters, but other issues lead them to this behavior.
Fear of Being Alone
People who fear being alone have anxiety-attachment issues that make being alone unthinkable. Abandonment issues usually start in childhood after being abandoned or rejected by a parent. As adults, their need for validation derives from relationships. So, if they see a crack in their current relationships, they begin monkey-barring to fill that void.
This is done without their partner’s knowledge, so they can be accused of cheating even if nothing physical has taken place. It actually is cheating because they’re betraying their partner by sneaking around with another love interest. Instead of working on their current relationship, they’d rather pursue this dating trend to secure a “better” one.
Serial Dater
Relationships give some people self-esteem. They feel valued and accepted. Not being in relationships triggers anxiety, loneliness, or depression. Since they’re addicted to relationships, they’re always on the lookout for the next potential partner. They lack the emotional maturity to recognize their issues. So monkey-barring becomes a practice for them.
This dating trend may feel normal to them, but it reveals their co-dependency and fear of being alone. This self-worth issue may only be resolved through therapy. They’re called serial daters and are miserable if they’re not dating someone. So this dating trend works for them.
Covert Narcissist
Narcissists thrive on being the center of attention. So, if their current relationship doesn’t provide that, they’re ready to move on to another. Monkey-barring is a dating trend that the narcissist gladly picks up. Their “it’s all about me” attitude thrives on other people putting them on a pedestal. New relationships are exciting and fun at the beginning, giving them that craved dopamine high.
They are addicted to this high and easily swing from one relationship to the next. Like a monkey swings from branch to branch, this behavior is natural to the narcissist.
Why it Doesn’t Work
Monkey-barring doesn’t work because it leaves wounded victims in its path. Unsuspecting partners are left behind, leaving them blindsided and crushed. And if they have anxiety-attachment issues, it can put them in a tailspin.
Those who engage in this trend are leaving one toxic relationship for another. Not working out problems in one relationship leads to repeating them in the next. Often, people engaged in this dating trend need therapy to overcome deep-seated issues.
Final Thoughts
Monkey-barring is a dating trend similar to former trends, also harmful to relationships. This behavior isn’t constructive; it only creates destructive patterns. It’s fear-based and reveals deeper issues. So, if you’re fearful of being alone, seek wise counsel to free you from fear.
If you’re a serial dater or have narcissistic tendencies, don’t consider this behavior acceptable or healthy. It is cheating, which is the ultimate betrayal. Help is at your fingertips, but you must desire it. Then you’ll move towards a healthier relationship rather than swing from one bad one to the next.
