My competitive side, the one that keeps score.
Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?
Question
What would you like to be remembered for?
Death & what remains
Question
Which moment embarrassed you most?
Failure & regret
Question
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Failure & regret
Question
What does love feel like?
Relationships
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.
Obsequiousness.
The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 May 2026 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 243 →Appearing angry when I’m not angry.
Insecurity around money. I have this profound insecurity about not having enough to provide for my family.
Zadie Smith
Novelist and essayist
Narcissism, solipsism.
More from Alex Hassell
View profile →As someone with integrity.
On one of my first jobs, Cold Mountain, I got a wasp in my ear in front of Jude Law. He couldn’t see the wasp so just saw me freak out.
Not playing Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire. I am a huge Brando fan and a big Tennessee Williams fan and it’s a part I would love to have a go at. It’s possible I still could but I’m too old, really.
Being accepted for who you are but also being encouraged to continue to grow.
On Monday in therapy.
To keep trying to listen to yourself.
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