Kelly Hoppen: 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.

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KH

Kelly Hoppen

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

When my daughter and my stepdaughters were feeling unhappy, we used to pretend to unlock something in their heart and then pour golden liquid into them, and it always warmed them. For me, that’s what love feels like – a warm feeling inside.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

Others on this question

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Bryan Adams Canadian singer-songwriter and musician

It can be as light as a feather or as heavy as a stone.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 December 2022 source ↗

Chris McCausland

Loud and noisy.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 November 2025 source ↗

Johnny Flynn British actor and musician

Not feeling like you have to be anywhere else.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 April 2022 source ↗

A dog bounding through the grass on a summer’s day chasing a squirrel.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 December 2025 source ↗

More from Kelly Hoppen

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Question What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? Failure & regret

“Your cooking sucks” – before I learned to cook in Covid.

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

Question What lesson has mattered most in your life? Time & hindsight

Living life to the full, not having regrets and not trying to plan your future too much. Just enjoy every minute.

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

Question What disappointment has stayed with you longest? Failure & regret

I had an opportunity many years ago to move to America and be given a daytime TV show. The kids were quite young and I decided not to, but looking back I wish I had done it.

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

Question What do you believe happens when we die? Death & what remains

I don’t know and I don’t really care, because I’ll be dead, so it won’t really matter.

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

Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

Years ago in a safari park in South Africa, and getting all dressed up for dinner. Walking across the lawn, I didn’t realise there was a swimming pool that hadn’t been lit and walked straight into the shallow end fully clothed. It still haunts me. I remember trying to get out as if no one would notice.

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

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

Fear of flying.

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

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