In Modern Family, the Pritchett set-up is a little unconventional. Gloria is married to Jay, making Claire her stepdaughter — but Claire is older than her. Jay remarried much longer after the divorce from his wife and although Gloria has her faults, she does her best to make it up to Claire and befriend her.
Especially in the early seasons, their relationship is tense — and although Claire gradually comes around, it seems that she'll never quite be friendly enough to become a real trusted confidant of Gloria. Mostly, Claire just seems to tolerate her with the occasional hint of fondness or acceptance.
Claire Finds It Uncomfortable She's Older Than Gloria
Although Claire and Gloria's ages are never specified in the show, it's mentioned once by Jay that Gloria is younger than Claire. It's understandable that Claire is a little bewildered by their marriage at first, suspicious of Gloria — but she never quite seems to get over this, and can't stop silently judging Gloria. A part of her will always wonder if she married Jay for the material things he could give her.
Could Claire Resent Her For Taking Mom's Place?
Claire and her mom never had a good relationship. Claire describes her as a persistent voice in her life telling her she was never good enough, and shows extreme anxiety and stress whenever her mom drops by these days. But it's still her mother and, at the end of the day, she might well have some hidden resentment that Gloria has taken her place.
Claire Is Jealous Of Mitchell & Gloria
One episode in the early seasons shows Claire express some jealousy over Mitchell and Gloria having a good relationship.
It's understandable that they grew close. Mitchell was never close to Jay due to Jay being uncomfortable with his son's sexuality and completely different in personality, and Gloria has never showed the slightest sign of prejudice towards him. But part of Claire is resentful and jealous that the two are close regardless.
Their Parenting Techniques Don't Align
These two are never going to agree on parenting. Gloria took a very lax approach with Manny, once saying that she swaddled him one-handed whilst driving stick. Claire is a bit more of a helicopter parent, hovering over her children — especially Haley — and in this fundamentally important area of the life, the two don't share any similarities.
Neither Do Their Interests
It's not just with parenting, though. The two of them disagree on many things and have different priorities. Gloria is often concerned with how she looks, going as far as to traipse around Disneyland in high heels and refuse to admit she's uncomfortable. Claire is far more practical, claiming to be influenced by her three kids and having no time for such things, and she often judges Gloria's priorities.
They've Clashed On So Many Occasions
The mounting bickering they go through and snide comments probably isn't helping their relationship either. They never really outright disrespect each other, but there's definite tension and Claire has a real habit of making back-handed comments towards Gloria.
She gets more of a handle on it as the series progresses, but they still slip out.
Phil Has A Crush On Gloria
Claire's husband, Phil, has an uncomfortable and sometimes downright creepy crush on Gloria. He's often caught staring at her and says completely insensitive things, paying her compliments that he never pays Claire.
It's not Gloria's fault — actually, she seems mostly oblivious to this weird flattery — but it's understandable that Claire bears a bit of resentment.
Claire Has Many Irresolved Issues With Jay
Another thing that may not be Gloria's fault, but she bears the brunt of the blame anyway, is Claire's strained relationship with Jay that may transfer to Gloria. Jay is notorious for not knowing how to be affectionate in ways that have permanently affected his kids as adults. When working for him, Claire is highly stressed by the thought of disappointing him, and overall her relationship with him often seems unhealthy. It doesn't seem like she could ever confide in Gloria, let alone be open to her with this hanging over them.
Claire Is Jealous Of Gloria's Relationship With Others In The Family
It's not just Mitchell's relationship with Gloria that bothers Claire. There are other moments in the series where she's jealous of her bonds with Alex, Hayley — even Lily, the daughter of Cam and Mitchell.
It's irrational. Gloria is just very likable, and people seem to gravitate towards her. But Claire can't handle being the one that isn't loved by everyone, and this probably makes her resentment of Gloria far worse.
They're Just Too Different
In the end, they're just too different to really see eye to eye. Not only do they come from completely different backgrounds — Gloria often references her dangerous upbringing, whereas Claire was in the very safe suburbs — they don't agree on huge issues such as parenting and, er, whether Gloria is a golddigger or not. These two have learned to be family over the years, but that doesn't mean they like each other.