Monkey Branching
Monkey branching is lining up a next relationship while still in the current one — never letting go of one partner until the replacement is secured.
Full definition of Monkey Branching →:: COMPARE ::
Monkey branchingvsCushioning
The short answer
Overlapping but not identical. A cushioner keeps several soft-landing options warm as general insurance, with no particular exit planned. Monkey branching is described as premeditated — a deliberate overlap, with the next relationship actively lined up before the current one ends.
Side by side
| Aspect | Monkey branching | Cushioning |
|---|---|---|
| Options kept | Prospects, actively pursued | Several, kept warm |
| Intent | To leave | To be insured |
| Timeline | A planned swing | Open-ended |
| Result | Immediate new relationship | A soft landing if needed |
What each one means
Cushioning
Cushioning is staying in a committed relationship while quietly keeping one or more romantic "cushions" on the side — flirty texts, kept-warm backups — as a safety net in case the main relationship ends.
Full definition of Cushioning →