I’m a perfectionist; it’s boring.
Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?
Question
When were you happiest?
Time & hindsight
Question
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Failure & regret
Question
Which moment embarrassed you most?
Failure & regret
Question
What is your greatest fear?
Identity & self
Question
What most recently made you cry?
Identity & self
Question
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Time & hindsight
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.
I talk over people all the time.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 July 2023 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 243 →My Sicilian impulsiveness.
I talk too much.
Lack of confidence masquerading as perfectionism.
More from Pauline McLynn
View profile →I hope the happiest moment is still ahead of me.
Actors live in a constant state of disappointment. I’ll never be happy with what I’ve done.
Eight or nine years ago, I disgraced myself in the Japanese ambassador’s home in Dublin, at a celebration for my late mother-in-law’s book about living in Japan. Afterwards, when I had to apologise, she told me it was the worst night of her life and, because I was drunk enough not to remember the details, it will never not be the most embarrassing night of my life. People are filling in details even now – “Remember when you fell under the table during the first course?”
Not being able to breathe – I get very panicky at the thought.
Walking along Oxford Street on Saturday pulling a shopping trolley that my mother bought me. I remember saying, “I’m never going to use that!” and there I was, very grateful to have it in my life. She died before Christmas and I can’t ring her to tell her that she was right.
Never be rigid in your thinking, be open.
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