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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.

Others on this question

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Stockard Channing
“Let’s face it, you’re not Ingrid Bergman.” I was 19 and he was a potential boyfriend. My only thought at the time was: “I’m not?”
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 August 2026 source ↗
Romesh Ranganathan English actor and comedian
My wife when I tried out some new material on her, said: “I’m sure the people who like you would like that.”
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 31 August 2024 source ↗
Graham Norton
When I was growing up, my mother would accuse me of showing off. That’s the most shaming, humbling, horrible thing. What was I doing? Showing off!
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 April 2026 source ↗

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