Rebecca Lucy Taylor: Who deserves an apology from you, and for what?

The question

Who deserves an apology from you, and for what?

Originally asked

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

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

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

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Most of the people I dated between 23 and 33. It feels crazy to me that I ever thought that I could be anyone’s girlfriend before I figured out the things I’ve now figured out.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 November 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Matthew Kelly

My parents, because I rather slipped from their standards on more than one occasion. And when they got older, I wish I’d been kinder and more tolerant with them.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 February 2026 source ↗

Philippa Perry Psychotherapist and author

Everyone. In advance. Just in case.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 5 June 2021 source ↗

Melanie Chisholm British pop singer

The Spice Girls – Mel B, Geri and Emma – who wanted to mark our 20th anniversary, and the fans. It was not something I felt comfortable doing.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 October 2016 source ↗

Gloria Steinem Writer and feminist organiser

I behaved badly with two old lovers. Years later, when I took one to lunch to apologise, it made it worse.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 March 2017 source ↗