Herman Wouk: Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

The Guardian's The Q&A has retained this Proust-derived prompt from at least 2007 through 2026, and ABC independently put it to the Obamas in 2011.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Recorded Herman Wouk said elsewhere, not written here

Taking myself seriously, even in a Vanity Fair quiz.

Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, October 2012 source ↗

Others on this question

Matthew Modine American actor

I would deplore feeling deplorable about myself.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 January 2023 source ↗

Being judgmental.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, September 2025 source ↗

Oh, I have a long list. You should ask me what I like about myself—that list is much shorter.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, July 2025 source ↗

Charlotte Church Welsh singer-songwriter and actress

Procrastination.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 July 2022 source ↗

Complacent stupidity.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, October 2012 source ↗

At age 97 and counting, guess.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, October 2012 source ↗

Monogamy, with the right lady. (Sheer luck.)

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 1 October 2012 source ↗

Anywhere with her, while she lived.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, October 2012 source ↗

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