Well, I’m happiest on Martha’s Vineyard, between July 1 and Labor Day, riding my tricycle with Larry Bobo every afternoon and fishing with Buddy Vanderhoop. But I was happiest from my childhood through high school in Piedmont, West Virginia; it was magical. I was sorry when it was time to go off to college.
When were you happiest?
Question
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Values & belief
Question
How close have you come to death?
Death & what remains
Question
What happens when we die?
Death & what remains
Question
Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?
Identity & self
Question
What keeps you awake at night?
Daily life
Question
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Daily life
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
When I realised that I could get myself through anything that came my way.
The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 April 2026 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 581 →
Matt Smith
English actor
I believe happiness is in the moment, so now.
When Brad and I got married. We had to struggle for it. It involved a nationwide speaking tour, lobbying Congress and campaigning intensely. We were the first couple to get our marriage licence in West Hollywood.
Kim Wilde
English pop singer
These are the happiest days. I love the process of getting older and, sometimes, wiser.
More from Meghann Fahy
View profile →An inability to be authentic.
A blood clot in my artery when I was 23.
Being alive on Earth is challenging and I like to believe that whatever happens after is filled with peace and ease.
My tendency to be avoidant.
All of the anxious thoughts that you are able to escape during the day that somehow know when you are lying down to relax.
Someone to clean my apartment.
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