EL James: When were you happiest?

When were you happiest?

Originally asked

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

Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.

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

Recorded EL James said elsewhere, not written here

Belfast 1994, when my first son was born.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 December 2012 source ↗

Others on this question

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Steve Coogan British actor and comedian

I would like to say right now, but probably childhood – though even that may be wrong, so I'll say six weeks ago walking in the Lakes.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 January 2010 source ↗

Tina Brown British and American journalist

In my second year at Oxford University. There was much lolling over the side of punts on the river with languid male companions plying me with cheap champagne.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 May 2010 source ↗

Angela Griffin British actress and television presenter

During the first week or two of lockdown. We didn’t know what was coming and it didn’t feel dangerous at that point; there was just a real sense of family and hunkering down.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 August 2022 source ↗

Stanley Tucci