Mark Steel: What disappointment has stayed with you longest? — FLAPSS

The question

What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

Originally asked

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

This exact question recurs in The Guardian's institutional Q&A pool.

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Mark Steel

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

At 16, I thought I’d be part of transforming the world into a socialist egalitarian arena of peace and justice. I’m not sure we’ve quite managed it.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Liam Gallagher English singer-songwriter

Oasis splitting up.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 October 2017 source ↗

Judith Kerr British writer and illustrator

Not having longer legs.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 May 2019 source ↗

Ray Winstone English actor

Losing my mum when I was 28.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 December 2013 source ↗

Letting down the people I love.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 March 2024 source ↗

More from Mark Steel

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Question What worries you about getting older? Time & hindsight

Younger people being amazed that I know what song they’re listening to.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Question How would you want people to remember you? Death & what remains

Through a series of mistakes in write-ups, I’d like to be remembered for something like being Britain’s finest downhill skier or inventing pickled onions.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Question How would you describe what love feels like to you? Relationships

Right now, like I have no intention of going anywhere else.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Question How close have you come to dying? Death & what remains

When I had cancer. I was having a shave and thought: “Are you meant to have a big hard lump on one side of your neck?”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

I’m so tempted to answer serial killer.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

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

Should talk less.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

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