'Every girls' trip has a Jaclyn. I've just realised that person is me.'

Let's be real: the only storyline we're all deeply invested in for this season of The White Lotus is the one with the trio of toxic besties.

You know exactly the three women I'm talking about.

Sure, we enjoy the wacky pursuits of Rick and Chelsea, and lap up every (uncomfortable) scene with the Ratliff family, but it is childhood friends Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Laurie (Carrie Coon) who have piqued our interest like no other. 

The three divas responsible for my sanity. Image: Binge. 

Jaclyn, the famous TV actress, has funded the girls' vacation, likely picking the destination and accommodation.

Most of the season has shown these friends not always getting along. To each other's faces, they make polite small talk, but behind their backs, each woman drops snarky comments about each other's looks, personal lives and political leanings.

The latest episode was a refreshing change of tone and scenery for the three friends. It was Jaclyn's day of fun; a day of fun she kindly dragged Kate and Laurie around for.

After not hearing from her husband for days, Jaclyn starts the day with an obvious agenda. "We can't just sit at the pool all week," she announces at breakfast.

This may be the realist depiction of white women's friendships I've ever seen #WhiteLotus pic.twitter.com/0pvmzVOChg

— Becky (@B3ckyJ) February 24, 2025

As the handsome health mentor Valentin approaches, Jaclyn tells him, "I think we wanna have some fun today," she says.

"I love the hotel, but it's a little dead. Do you know what I'm saying? Is there some place around here, another place, a little more fun, has more of a vibe?"

Valentin suggests a different hotel, but it doesn't meet Jaclyn's expectations. "I don't know if I like this. Something's a little weird, am I right?" she asked her friends.

The other women haven't gleaned the change in vibe.

"What the actual f*ck is this place?" Jaclyn suddenly rages.

"Is this like a bargain hotel for retirees? It kind of seems like that. Why would he [Valentin] send us here? We gotta get the f*ck out of here."

Watch Jaclyn freak out over being at a hotel with older people.

This leads to Jaclyn accosting Valentin and practically forcing him to come out with the women and show them where the promised fun is found.

What follows is the three women getting stuck in some sort of water fight siege before they finally find Jaclyn's 'cool place' to party the rest of the day.

This is where we leave our ladies.

And look, I know what you're thinking: Jaclyn is a lot, right? I get it. She practically dragged her two friends across Thailand just to find the elusive 'fun' she was seeking.

But you know what? Good!

Girls' trips need a Jaclyn. I know girls and if we were all left to our own devices, most of us would either stay by the pool or beach every day of our holidays or order room service from our beds.

It's great. We love to do that. But sometimes, we need someone who is there to broaden our horizons and mix up the monotony of vacations.

That someone is a Jaclyn. And through writing this, I've realised that someone is also… me.

I love to make sh*t happen on holidays. I'm not the one to lounge by the pool, visit the same restaurant each night or do the same pilates class each morning.

Jaclyns get the job done! Image: Binge. 

LET'S DO SOMETHING NEW. LET'S SEIZE THE DAY. LET'S HAVE FUN.

For instance, booking everything — all accommodation, flights and activities — that's all part of my role on holidays. Just call me the team captain because I will represent my group and we will win the game of *checks notes* having a relaxing holiday.

Jaclyn might be a little forceful, but her efforts resulted in some cherished new memories: some good (cute men coming at the end) and some bad (death by water pistol).

That's why every girls' holiday needs this person.

I will admit that Jaclyn is not all good. Her treatment of Valentin, who she incorrectly labelled the group's "butler", is troubling, along with her obvious ageism exhibited throughout this week's episode.

Back at the pool, when talking with two Australian women, she clearly thought she was superior to them, as she nodded awkwardly as one said they "weren't posh enough" to be permitted entry into The White Lotus.

Jaclyn also has a tendency to walk the line between encouragement and peer pressure when it comes to her friends, especially when she borderline bullies Laurie.

To be clear, I don't identify with this side of Jaclyn. And neither should anyone.

But the side of Jaclyn who is on a never-ending quest to 'find the fun'? She's a necessary evil for every girls' trip.

Feature image: Binge.