David Ajala: How would you describe what love feels like to you? — FLAPSS

The question

How would you describe what love feels like to you?

Originally asked

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

The Guardian's weekly The Q&A repeatedly uses this exact standing prompt.

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

DA

David Ajala

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Finding a tenner in your jeans pocket. It has always been there but you find it at the moment you really need it.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 October 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Jason Derulo American singer and songwriter

Like a true connection – if you are away, you feel an aching, and when you’re together, you feel complete.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 October 2022 source ↗

Niamh Cusack Irish actress

A longed-for, familiar shore at sunset.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 October 2021 source ↗

Frank Cottrell-Boyce British screenwriter, novelist and actor

The unguiltiest pleasure.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 July 2023 source ↗

Sofia Helin Swedish actress

Warm and bubbly.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 September 2020 source ↗

More from David Ajala

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

When I was naive to the complexities of life.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 October 2025 source ↗

Question What worries you about getting older? Time & hindsight

I don’t think anything scares me. It’s a gift and I want to embrace it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 October 2025 source ↗

Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

Helen Mirren was in the elevator with me at the National Theatre. She pressed the button but it didn’t move. I said, “Fancy seeing you here and being stuck in an elevator.” And she said, “Was that meant to be funny?” I apologised, and she laughed. Even talking about it now, it feels so awkward and embarrassing.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 October 2025 source ↗

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

Telesales – having to sell terrible kitchens. I thought, maybe I’m not a good actor because I can’t even convince myself that these kitchens are worth paying for.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 October 2025 source ↗

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

Curious, playful and silly.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 October 2025 source ↗

Question Who deserves an apology from you, and for what? Failure & regret

To a resistant materials teacher at secondary school called Mr Noel. He had a comb-over and whenever he turned his back to write on the blackboard, we would roll up bits of paper and launch them at his head. Once, I hit him. I remember him turning around and looking crestfallen.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 October 2025 source ↗

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