Cathy Rigby: Which trait in yourself do you like least?

The question

Which trait in yourself do you like least?

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.

Cathy Rigby

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Procrastination ... getting overwhelmed ... getting stuck.

Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, August 2012 source ↗

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Alfred Molina

Self-doubt and a reoccurring fear that people would prefer the other Alfred Molina.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, May 2024 source ↗

Stephanie Beacham

Well, I’m always right.

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

Carol Vorderman

I still say yes to too many things.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 March 2026 source ↗

Douglas Booth

Whenever I walk past an ice-cream shop, I just can’t not buy an ice-cream.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 February 2025 source ↗

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Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

Arrogance and a lack of respect for others.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, August 2012 source ↗

Question What does happiness look like for you when life is going well? Identity & self

Making a gourmet dinner with my husband, Tom, then just hanging out with our four children, their spouses, and our delightful grandchildren.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 1 August 2012 source ↗

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

Right now and when I was pregnant and when my children were very young.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, August 2012 source ↗

Question If you could alter one thing about yourself, what would it be? Identity & self

To be more outgoing. I love being home, but sometimes I feel guilty that I like it too much.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2012 source ↗

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