Couples: what is monkey-barring, this toxic love practice of those who are afraid of celibacy?

Unfortunately, the list of toxic practices in romantic relationships only lengthens. After the ghosts with ghosting, cockroaches with the roaching, here comes the sign with monkey barring. But what is it exactly? This is a new bad trend in the field of love. The concept is tohave one foot in one relationship and one foot in another relationship. Generally, it is people who fear celibacy who indulge in this far from flattering practice.

“If you’re not sure if a relationship is right for you, it may be tempting to explore another one, while keeping the current relationship afloat before taking the plunge.“Dating expert Hayley Quinn explains to Metro UK. Why the monkey exactly? Here the name comes from the fact that monkeys are used to easily jump from tree to tree. Of course, it mustthey cling to the branch of the previous tree to move to that of the next tree. “Many people cling to a relationship that is not right for them because the thought of going back to square one is too scary“says Hayley Quinn.

Monkey-barring: tips for getting out of it

It goes without saying that this trend won’t do any good. Even if nothing has been formalized, the dishonesty and the unhealthy side of monkey-barring is very real. “Starting to see other people quietly means that you are not fully emotionally open to your existing relationship, or to the idea of ​​committing to it.“, explains Hayley Quinn. “Do not hesitate to explicitly formulate your expectations regarding the relationship and never forget your personal value“, advises the expert.