Fearne Cotton: Which trait in yourself do you like least? — FLAPSS

The question

Which trait in yourself do you like least?

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.

FC

Fearne Cotton

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Impatience. I’m not very good at waiting around or dealing with things that aren’t moving at a pace that I want them to.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Vick Hope British television and radio presenter

I can’t say no. I am a people-pleaser, and it means that I burn myself out because I take on too much.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 August 2022 source ↗

Carrie Fisher Actor and writer

My driving skills.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, April 2001 source ↗

I am a bit of a procrastinator.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 March 2024 source ↗

Being judgmental.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, September 2025 source ↗

More from Fearne Cotton

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Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

Superiority. I shrink when I’m around people who act superior, whether it’s due to authority or intellect. I almost become mute.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

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

I assumed that once I reached some level of achievement, I would feel fixed.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

On radio, I once said “anal” instead of “angel”.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

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

Eager to learn.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself? Identity & self

An air steward, because I loved airports. I wrote a letter to British Airways when I was seven and I’ve got the reply in the loft, which says, “You’re a bit young at seven but do stay in touch.” I was that kind of kid who was eager to start the ball rolling.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

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

The more you face shame and stare it in the eyes and talk about it, the less potent it is.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

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