Dervla Kirwan: How would you sum yourself up in three words? — FLAPSS

The question

How would you sum yourself up in three words?

Originally asked

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

The Guardian's weekly The Q&A repeatedly uses this exact standing prompt.

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

DK

Dervla Kirwan

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Warm, intelligent, accommodating.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

View all 114 →

High-functioning introvert.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 17 May 2025 source ↗

Stephanie Beacham

Actress, mother, grandmother.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 31 May 2025 source ↗

Speedy, bossy, loving.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 December 2025 source ↗

Quietly somewhat funny.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 April 2026 source ↗

More from Dervla Kirwan

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Question What most recently moved you to tears? Identity & self

At my mother’s funeral last year.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question How would you want people to remember you? Death & what remains

As a decent human being.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

Ironically, it’s talking to hundreds of people in a room.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

Recently, sending a negative text about a person to that person.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question Who deserves an apology from you, and for what? Failure & regret

My younger self, because I was very, very tough on myself.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

A few weeks ago, walking on the beach in Anglesey with my dogs and my husband.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

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