Mark Steel: Who deserves an apology from you, and for what? — FLAPSS

The question

Who deserves an apology from you, and for what?

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.

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Mark Steel

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

My kids. I think if you don’t want to say sorry to your kids you’ve been an appalling parent.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Bill Bailey Comedian and musician

My parents, for not pursuing an academic career.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 October 2016 source ↗

Mandy Patinkin American actor and singer

To my father, for not telling him the truth when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and going along with the family lie that he had hepatitis, when he knew he didn’t. At the age of 17, I lacked the courage and strength to stand up for what I believed.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 October 2019 source ↗

Joanna Scanlan British actress and writer

To my Latin teacher – I was very naughty.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 31 March 2018 source ↗

Gabby Logan Welsh TV/radio presenter and rhythmic gymnast

I feel I have made amends, so I don’t feel that anyone is owed an apology but, if they read this and they think they are, do drop me a line.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 12 November 2022 source ↗

More from Mark Steel

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Question How would you want people to remember you? Death & what remains

Through a series of mistakes in write-ups, I’d like to be remembered for something like being Britain’s finest downhill skier or inventing pickled onions.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Question How close have you come to dying? Death & what remains

When I had cancer. I was having a shave and thought: “Are you meant to have a big hard lump on one side of your neck?”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

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

At 16, I thought I’d be part of transforming the world into a socialist egalitarian arena of peace and justice. I’m not sure we’ve quite managed it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Question How would you describe what love feels like to you? Relationships

Right now, like I have no intention of going anywhere else.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Question What worries you about getting older? Time & hindsight

Younger people being amazed that I know what song they’re listening to.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

When I was 16, my dad got drunk at the Oval cricket ground and harangued Sir Garry Sobers, possibly the greatest cricketer of all time, because he didn’t agree with who he’d given as man of the match.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 February 2025 source ↗

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