You know what, if Gloria was played by a less attractive woman, people would not have given Phil a pass for this behaviour. Most of the men going like "its just in our nature reeeee," are just projecting their fantasies onto Phil. Also, having the misfortune of being on the internet from the early days, I know how kinky internet people are, so probably the whole goofy step son in law and hot hot hot mother in law gives them an erection.
There's one missing that I love; when the family caught Andy and Hayley in an affair, Phil asked to talk to Andy in private, he closes the door, Andy says "Mr. Dunphy, I'm sorry for--"; and he interrupts him "No, I'M doing the talking" When Phil gets serious you know something's wrong.
Its pretty normal for a single mom without the father ever being around much... but mother n son always have some strange bond so that makes it weirder i guess lol. I only have daughter so not too much weirdness. Lol
Claire and Phil are a perfect couple - they love each other, they love their kids, they have a seriously dark side that they both repurpose for the good of their family.