Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?

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.

Recorded Róisín Murphy said elsewhere, not written here
My problem with clothes. I’ve got an issue, haven’t I? I’m not a fella in a band who can turn up in his T-shirt and jeans. I’ve got the whole drama of what I’m going to wear: the hair, the makeup. All that preening and pruning that adds to the stress. I have begun to hate that perfectionist in me.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 September 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

View all 243 →
George H. W. Bush 41st President of the United States, 1989–1993
Nobody has ever accused me of being a superior communicator. If I could have conveyed to the American people the concerns I had, and my heartbeat, a little more clearly, maybe I would not be unemployed and retired. And I might not be this happy, either. I learned a lot from Ronald Reagan about communication. Never got to be in his league in terms of it, but he could say something and the American people might not agree with the issue, but they could empathize with him.
Recorded Academy of Achievement interview, Williamsburg, Virginia, 2 June 1995 source ↗
Maureen O'Hara Irish and American actress and singer
I’d rather name one for someone else. I’m egomaniacal.
Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, July 2014 source ↗

More from Róisín Murphy

View profile →
Question Which moment embarrassed you most? Failure & regret
I recently had a dramatic fall on stage in Hungary. It was a massive stage – I was miles away from the audience – and I didn’t expect there to be two monitors in the middle of it. I went completely arse over tit and landed on my chin. First, I felt shock, pain, embarrassment, and then I felt lucky that I didn’t break any teeth or bite through my tongue. I asked for an ice pack for my chin, got up and finished the set.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 September 2023 source ↗

More on identity & self

Also answered this

Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mike Wallace, Johnny Flynn, Bruce Dickinson, David Hockney, Felicity Jones

Search the directory for somebody in particular.

Explore further

Report this answer