Siobhán McSweeney: What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you?

Originally asked

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

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

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

SM

Siobhán McSweeney

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

“Sorry, I don’t mean to insult you, but did you know you look a bit like that actress Siobhán McSweeney?”

The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

View all 122 →

“Didn’t you used to be Graydon Carter?”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 June 2025 source ↗

“And for you, sir?” It happens a lot.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 17 May 2025 source ↗

“Your lyrics are rubbish.” It was someone I was working with when I was in my early 20s. It turned out well because I then spent a long time studying and learning how to write good lyrics.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 November 2023 source ↗

“You’re a narcissist!” From someone who was a narcissist himself.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 December 2024 source ↗

More from Siobhán McSweeney

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

As Tilda Swinton in a fat suit.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

On stage. Always on stage. God that’s depressing, isn’t it?

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

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

Physically, falling off my bike two years ago. Emotionally, when my mother died when I was 27.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Question What thought won't let you sleep? Daily life

My impotence in the face of war.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Question Which book do you still mean to read, and why has it stayed on your list? Taste & recommendation

I feel no shame about not reading a book. That’s silly.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Question What one change would most improve the quality of your daily life? Daily life

A better knee and better lungs.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

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