PP Arnold: Which trait in yourself do you like least? — FLAPSS

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.

PA

PP Arnold

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

At this time in my life, I quite like myself but, for a large portion of my life, I deplored being shy.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 October 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

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Julian Lennon English musician, photographer, and philanthropist

Fear, anxiety and panic attacks.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 September 2022 source ↗

Worrying at things.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 July 2026 source ↗

Thinking that I am less-than. That thinking is cunning, baffling, and insidious, and I must guard against it every hour of every day.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, June 2018 source ↗

Vick Hope British television and radio presenter

I can’t say no. I am a people-pleaser, and it means that I burn myself out because I take on too much.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 August 2022 source ↗

More from PP Arnold

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Question What is the worst job you have ever had? Craft & work

I worked in a Helms Bakery assembly line that separated egg whites from the yolks and from time to time a box of rotten eggs would come through. Need I say more?

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 October 2023 source ↗

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

My father was a very macho, controlling man and we clashed a lot. He told me that I would never be able to keep a husband with my attitude. He was right! I’ve had two short, unsuccessful marriages.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 October 2023 source ↗

Question Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them? Values & belief

Oprah Winfrey, as Maya Angelou and Tina Turner are no longer with us. These women are Afro-American queens who, despite growing up in the racist south experiencing physical, emotional and sexual abuse, rose to the top of their professions and are an inspiration to women everywhere.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 October 2023 source ↗

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

Arrogance combined with egotism and selfishness.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 October 2023 source ↗

Question How would you sum yourself up in three words? Identity & self

Loving, sincere, honest.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 October 2023 source ↗

Question What lesson has mattered most in your life? Time & hindsight

To live your best life every day, because tomorrow isn’t promised.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 October 2023 source ↗

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