Fearne Cotton: What is the trait you most deplore in others? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Originally asked

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

A verbatim standing question in The Guardian's rotating Q&A questionnaire, documented across respondents and years.

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

FC

Fearne Cotton

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Superiority. I shrink when I’m around people who act superior, whether it’s due to authority or intellect. I almost become mute.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Johannes Radebe

Lack of empathy and compassion.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Coldness, selfishness.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 August 2026 source ↗

Rafael Nadal Spanish professional tennis player, 2001–2024

Selfishness and no respect for the others.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, October 2010 source ↗

Adam Kay British comedy writer, author, youtuber, comedian and former physician

People who barge into a lift instead of standing aside for anyone exiting should be dipped in kerosene and fired into the sun.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 June 2023 source ↗

More from Fearne Cotton

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Question What has been your biggest disappointment? Failure & regret

I assumed that once I reached some level of achievement, I would feel fixed.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Time & hindsight

The more you face shame and stare it in the eyes and talk about it, the less potent it is.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question Which moment embarrassed you most? Failure & regret

On radio, I once said “anal” instead of “angel”.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question What did you want to be when you were growing up? Identity & self

An air steward, because I loved airports. I wrote a letter to British Airways when I was seven and I’ve got the reply in the loft, which says, “You’re a bit young at seven but do stay in touch.” I was that kind of kid who was eager to start the ball rolling.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question What is the worst thing anyone has said to you? Failure & regret

People have said, “I wish you would die.” That’s the stark truth of being in the public eye – people dehumanise you and say ghastly things.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question Which trait do you most dislike in yourself? Identity & self

Impatience. I’m not very good at waiting around or dealing with things that aren’t moving at a pace that I want them to.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

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