Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
A verbatim recurring question in The Guardian's Q&A series.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 July 2023 source ↗
Years ago in a safari park in South Africa, and getting all dressed up for dinner. Walking across the lawn, I didn’t realise there was a swimming pool that hadn’t been lit and walked straight into the shallow end fully clothed. It still haunts me. I remember trying to get out as if no one would notice.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗
I was 17 and about to go on a first date with my first boyfriend. I was so desperate for my mum not to meet him that I was trying to get to the door before she did. I ran down the stairs as she opened it, and slid down the last five steps on my arse.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 12 July 2025 source ↗
Recently, sending a negative text about a person to that person.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗
When I was 16, my dad got drunk at the Oval cricket ground and harangued Sir Garry Sobers, possibly the greatest cricketer of all time, because he didn’t agree with who he’d given as man of the match.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗
That it’s impossible to persuade other people of the value of the lessons that life has taught you.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 July 2023 source ↗
I took the whole family to live in the Basque Country for a year. My children and I have a hereditary blood condition so I took out a health insurance policy. I’m still furious that none of us so much as stubbed a toe.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 July 2023 source ↗
The unguiltiest pleasure.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 July 2023 source ↗
My inability to say no.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 July 2023 source ↗
I spent an advent in my late teens throttling turkeys.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 July 2023 source ↗
So many. All childcarers and most primary teachers.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 July 2023 source ↗
Adam Lambert, Adele Parks, Alex Hassell, Alison Steadman, Andrew O’Hagan, Bear Grylls
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