When they ruin my story because they think theirs is better, so butt in before I’ve finished mine.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Question
What is the worst thing anyone has said to you?
Failure & regret
Question
What would you like to be remembered for?
Death & what remains
Question
What is your greatest fear?
Identity & self
Question
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Daily life
Question
Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?
Identity & self
Question
What would you like to leave your children?
Death & what remains
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.
Disrespect. My dad was a toolmaker and worked in a factory all his life, and he felt looked down on, and it really affected him. And so all my life I’ve loathed disrespect and valued respect.
The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 August 2023 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 209 →
Hans Zimmer
Film composer
To place faith over facts.
Bryn Terfel
Welsh bass-baritone singer
Unfriendliness.
Using knowledge as a weapon.
More from Keir Starmer
View profile →There are yards and yards and yards of abuse every day. I ignore the lot of it.
As someone who delivered a bold and reforming Labour government, as a great dad and a great friend.
Failure. I hate losing, particularly at football and politics. I play five-a-side every week – middle of midfield, barking orders. Some people say it’s the taking part that counts. I am not in that camp. It’s the winning that counts.
Having more time to spend with Vic and the kids.
Vic, my wife, has over the years reduced my impatience, but anybody who has been in a traffic jam with me will know that she hasn’t completed the task yet.
Ever since they were born, Vic and I have been clear: happiness and confidence are the two things we want most for our children and the rest can all fall into place.
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