Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The Proust Questionnaire, June 2011

My favorite section in Vanity Fair is the Proust Questionnaire. I think it's great they choose old people to answer it. Yes, old! Old people have seen and experienced a lot so I always get amazed and inspired by their frankness and wisdom.

Me at 34. Some say old, some say young. 
Now, at 34, I'm not old. Well, depends on who you ask. I had a laser facial last week and someone Tweeted me, "Do you recommend that facial on me?" And I Tweeted back, "It's best for those in their mid-30s and above." And she replied, "Ugh, that's old!"

Anyway, I want to answer the Proust Questionnaire every year, just to see if my answers will change. I imagine that as I grow older, the answers will change. I hope not, though! I want to believe that at 34, I know myself. But life is always surprising!

* * * * * * *
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Cuddling in bed with my husband Vince and son Vito.




What is your greatest fear?
Losing Vince and Vito.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Laziness.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
That abominable combination of laziness, arrogance, insecurity and, strangely enough, entitlement to the fruits of others' labor!

Which living person do you most admire?
Right now, I admire Gwyneth Paltrow for her achievements in her field, her constant evolution, her love for her family and friends, and her style. But I admire anyone who makes their own dreams come true.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Generosity.

What is your current state of mind?
Overwhelmed!

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Virginity.

On what occasion do you lie?
When telling the truth will hurt the person unnecessarily.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
Quiet authority. Not a lot of men have this, sadly.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Unconditional love.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Actually, very, and ten thousand years.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband and my son.

When and where were you happiest?
My wedding in 2007 was fun. But now? It's every time I'm cuddling with Vince and Vito. That's every day. I'm a lucky girl.




Which talent would you most like to have?
To dance really well!

What is your favorite occupation?
Mine.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Passion.

What do you most value in your friends?
Their insistence that I am worth loving.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Samwise Gamgee.

Who are your heroes in real life?
The generous people, like my husband, my in-laws, my mother, my friends.

What is that you most dislike?
Cowardice.

What is your most treasured possession?
Photographs of my husband and son. Then my wedding and engagement rings.



What do you regard as the lowest depths of misery?
Regret.

What is your greatest regret?
Ignoring my mother when she was alive.

How would you like to die?
Quietly, when my son already has his own family, love and happiness. Yes, I can leave this life then.

What is your motto?
"The brave may not live forever, but cowards never live at all."

14 comments:

  1. I love this Proust questionnaire, Ms. Frances...it's really simple, and it makes you feel appreciative of whatever it is you're happy about. :-)

    thanks for sharing. Mind if i reposted this?

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  2. Um can I just say that for me, being old is when you stop living. I know someone who is in her 60's but still manages to look young (her secret as what she told me -to continue living) true enough, people thought she's in her early 50s even late 40s. And to be honest, you look really good for your age. It must be coz of all the happiness you get from your family. Like I said, ikaw na ang peg ko when I reach my 30s :)

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  3. Samwise is my favorite too! Immensely loyal, brave and forgiving... how I wish I have friends like him!

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  4. Love this post! :) Do you mind if I take it, too and post my answers?

    I especially love the part where you answered your motto. I don't think I have a motto :(

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  5. Tee, I don't mind at all! It's not mine in the first place. It's Vanity Fair's! Or rather, it's Proust's! =)

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  6. Answering this questionnaire annually is a great idea! I'll start doing it every year on my birthday. :)

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  7. like the comment above I super like this post. Ms. France, asking your permission to repost this with my answer too.

    Thank you :)

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  8. The picture of Vince and Vito is super super super cute!!!

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  9. thanks for sharing. will have to think about my answers to these questions too.

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  10. Michelle, I knoooooow! Super duper adorable =D Thanks!

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  11. I did the Proust Questionnaire and blogged about you as well. http://bit.ly/p8j84W

    Your loyal Topaz reader,
    Tani :)

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  12. Awesome questionnaire! Have bookmarked and will share this with my family!
    Questionnaire

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  13. I'm doing the questionnaire even though im not that old yet :)

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