Jerome Tribune

FamilyLife Interview

Gloria from Modern Family

 Gloria's thoughts and advice on the common family gathering.

FamilyLife:  We’ve all been in the boat of family gatherings, and you’re no exception.  What are yours like?

Gloria:  Well, a little bit of background information… My family is crazy. *Laughs*  I know that there are families out there who think they’ve got it all together, but seriously, get real people, we all have our family issues!  Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t be opposed to having a family with NO problems, but I know that it’s not a realistic life.  At MY family gatherings, there are so many things that go on that I could honestly write a book about it.  Things go in so many different directions that I don’t know whether or not I’m coming or going at some points.

FamilyLife:  It sounds like you have quite an eventful time when you’re all together.  Tell me about some of the things that go on at your family gatherings… Secrets, if you will.

Gloria:  If I tell you… I’m going to have to kill you. No, just kidding.  I guess one of our quirks is the fact that we actually kind of like to spend time together and have the time to talk about things, unlike a lot of other families that I know.  It’s probably weird to a lot of people, actually.  There is just something about that feeling of togetherness that warms the heart, and I love that.  We are also the type of people that like to have fun, so the food and drinks that are involved definitely make the experience more enjoyable. 

"There is just something about that

feeling of togetherness that

warms the heart, and I love that."

FamilyLife:  People are always talking about how they dread family gatherings.  You don’t seem to be the type of person that would feel trapped at them.

Gloria:  I understand where people are coming from when they say that they don’t like them.  Me on the other hand, I just try and make the best of my limited time we all have together.  It only happens once in a while, so I always try and have a positive attitude toward it… Even when there may be minor arguments going on in the background.

FamilyLife:  So you’re saying that you’ve never had an experience that would have completely ruined family gatherings for you?

Gloria:  Ohh, trust me, there have been times when disputes have almost pushed me over the edge.  I think the reason I have never let it ruin family gatherings for me is because I know that they are just petty things, and in the end we’re all family.  A wise man once said, “Don’t sweat the petty things, and don’t pet the sweaty things”.

FamilyLife:  That is great advice!  I can tell that you genuinely enjoy being around your family.  I want you to know that there are a select group of people who are that way.  Do any of your disputes cause long term periods of time where you don’t talk to someone in your family?

Gloria:  There have been times where people in my family have said the wrong thing at the wrong time and I couldn’t even imagine where they got the idea that it was okay.  It made my blood boil and thinking about it more and more me want to freak out.  It’s one of those things that happen, though, and after enough time I got over it.

Family Life:  Even celebs have family issues that have to be resolved to make their family gatherings enjoyable and bearable, contrary to what we may believe.  Do you have any more tips for those people out there who cannot stand them? 

Gloria:  I guess I would just say that people need to make the most of it because your family is the only people that are there for you through thick and thin.  It’s not worth ruining that unique relationship you have with your family just because you don’t agree on everything.  So, enjoy family gatherings as much as you can and don’t take them for granted!

FamilyLife:  That is wonderful advice.  Thank you so much for sharing with us and taking the time to do this interview.

Gloria:  You are very welcome, and thank you for having me.