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monkey-barring
What does monkey-barring mean?
Used to call out overlapping relationships that feel like cheating.
"Monkey-barring isn't a clean break, it's an overlap with extra steps."
Origin
Named after the playground monkey bars where you hold the next bar before letting go of the last. The term spread through relationship and dating content in the 2010s.
Frequently asked questions
What does monkey-barring mean in relationships?
It's swinging from one relationship straight into the next with no gap, securing a new partner before ending the old one.
Is monkey-barring cheating?
It often overlaps with emotional or physical cheating since the new connection usually starts before the current relationship is over.
Why do people monkey-bar?
Commonly a fear of being single or alone, so they avoid ever facing that gap by always having someone lined up.
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