The Hidden Rivalry Behind Female Friendships
Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt reveals the surprising truth about female intrasexual competition: despite public narratives of sisterhood, many women are more intolerant of sexually provocative peers than they admit. In this conversation, she explains how indirect aggression – gossip, exclusion, and subtle shaming – serves as a tool to police sexual norms and maintain social power. Backed by global research and her own viral study involving staged encounters, Vaillancourt explores how jealousy, scarcity, and competition for status shape female friendships, mental health, and even bullying. It’s a fascinating look into why we sometimes struggle to support the people we say we love – something Thinking of You aims to shift by encouraging intentional, judgment-free connection.