‘The White Lotus’ Demonstrates How Toxic Girl Trios Can Be

      As a discerning viewer, I firmly believe that The White Lotus stands out as one of the finest shows ever to air on television (apologies, but those are the facts). Mike White, the creative force behind this dark comedy, provides us with an unfiltered glimpse into humanity's most profound and sinister flaws. Watching the show feels almost like therapy; I consistently gain at least ten new insights about life with each episode. Furthermore, each season delves into themes of mortality and offers a thorough examination of the human experience. What more could one seek from a TV series?

      In light of the season 3 finale, there is one relationship dynamic that has been occupying my thoughts (and no, I’m not referring to that family dynamic). It involves the trio of women: Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Laurie (Carrie Coon), and Kate (Leslie Bibb). It's evident that Mike White often draws inspiration for his characters from real-life encounters, and I believe he is sending us a message about Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie. To me, the true antagonist of season 3 is not a single character but rather the three of them and their unhealthy friendship. Let’s explore this further.

      ### Everything We Know About The White Lotus Girl Trio (So Far)

      Before delving into the isolating and toxic aspects of girl trios, we must first clarify the dynamics among Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie. These childhood friends are now in their mid-40s and have joined The White Lotus resort in Thailand for a girls' getaway. Jaclyn, the ‘leader’ of the trio, is a well-known actress, Kate is a Texas-based socialite, and Laurie, a successful lawyer and recently divorced mother. Due to their busy lives, demanding careers, and familial responsibilities, this trip seems to be long overdue and perhaps one of the last ties binding their friendship. Sound familiar?

      They describe themselves as “the greatest friends ever,” creating an illusion that their long history guarantees a robust bond, but this quickly falls apart. By the end of the first episode, we witness the reality of their interactions. After Laurie retires for the night, Jaclyn and Kate can't help but express their opinions about Laurie and her life in New York. Although their remarks appear harmless, they are fundamentally judgmental—precisely the trap that often ensnares girl trios. It’s important to note that Laurie can hear them, sobbing quietly while eavesdropping—and this is just the beginning.

      The show itself serves as a metaphor for this kind of friendship: it starts off sweet and innocent but gradually morphs into something uncomfortable, isolating, and at times, painful. From the moment they arrive at the resort, I wondered: can three women truly maintain a healthy relationship within a group dynamic, or are all trios destined for toxicity?

      ### 4 Ways The White Lotus Demonstrates the Toxic Nature of Girl Trios

      **One friend always feels left out**

      We've all heard the saying: "Two’s company, three’s a crowd," and this age-old adage rings particularly true. The intimacy shared by two people can feel warm and secure, and the inclusion of a third can disrupt that connection.

      “Having two best friends for the price of one sounds appealing in theory, but the reality is that it’s impossible to maintain equal closeness with both friends.”

      In The White Lotus, each friend frequently finds themselves feeling like the outsider. This is most evident with Laurie. Despite being a successful lawyer in New York, her traditional lifestyle and responsibilities as a mother, contrasted with Jaclyn's and Kate's more glamorous lives, create a relatable distance between them.

      Consider their first moment alone after arriving at the resort: Laurie compliments Jaclyn on her youthful appearance, referring to her as if she just emerged from the birth canal. Jaclyn brushes it off and deflects the compliment back to her, while Laurie is clearly sidelined as the other two engage in playful banter. When the focus inevitably shifts back to Laurie with a half-hearted compliment, it illustrates how their interactions can superficially resemble support while revealing underlying exclusion.

      Finally, as Laurie heads to bed at the end of episode 1, Kate’s gesture to hold the door for her is symbolic; it’s as if she’s metaphorically pushing Laurie away, reinforcing the notion that the friendship dynamic favors the duo over the trio. The idea of having two best friends sounds enticing, but it leads to one always feeling left out. After all, three truly becomes a crowd.

      **It always feels like someone is talking about you behind your back**

      Here's the truth: Gossip affects everyone. However, there's a distinct difference between harmless chit-chat and gossipy discussions that feel suffocating, fostering the impression that your friends are secretly discussing you.

      This dynamic is evident in episode 1 when Jaclyn and Kate conspire about Laurie after she leaves the room. Their one-on-one connection cultivates a