THE PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE
Marcel Proust, after whom this questionnaire was named, was a famous essayist and critic. As a youth he displayed a talent for writing and creating literature. He was was a precocious child, and it was in his teens that he completed this questionnaire. He did not create the questionnaire - it had been used previously as a sort of "parlor game" among society in what might be labeled an "intellectual amusement, wherein the takers true personality would be revealed through his/her answers. Proust's responses were so remarkable in their pith, insight and wit - especially for someone of such a tender age, that it made his name synonymous with the questionnaire.
Well, im not Proust, but I decided would take my hand at answering the questions. I can't promise anything remotely pithy, insightful or even witty. Instead, expect answers equal parts glib, cheeky and flippant - with the occasional thoughtfulness - maybe even solemnity peeking through. It was a fun project, especially since i'm sitting home watching the snowpacalypse go by (thundersnow? really?) and i really have nothing better to do. And if you reside on the mid atlantic seaboard you probably don't either, so I figured i'd share. Maybe you could tell me what it reveals about me. For me, i'm just as clueless as ever. :)
The Proust Questionnaire:
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Hm. Peace of mind = perfect happiness. Peace of mind knowing that my loved ones - family and friends - are not just alive, but well. Peace meaning not worrying about bills, health, or any of the other vagaries of life that tend to nickel and dime at my contentment quotient. Peace that allows you to have true wonderful and RESTFUL sleep at night. Of course, that kind of happiness is more idealistic than realistic. So, i'll settle for a cup of tea, the SO, Star Wars and/or Indiana Jones marathon, accompanied by a game of scrabble AND a huge piece of peach cobbler. I'm simple.
2.What is your greatest fear? Tripping and falling in front of a large group of people. Yes there are deeper, more melodramatic psychology-student-friendly fears but yeah. This is up there.
...
Ok.. you wanted something substantial? Mortality. The idea of losing friends and/or family in death. The idea of losing my own life. The idea of getting sick. Of seeing my loved ones sick. One reason i hate to go to the doctor even as i dabble in hypochondria from time to time. Even seeing visiting my sister in the hospital after she had each of my nephews was a CHALLENGE for me. It was a happy occasion but i was still freaked. I don't like things that remind of my own mortality, or that of others.
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Oh my, just one trait? Seriously, I have so many unsavory characteristics of which i'd love to divest myself. But at the top...worrying, second guessing myself to distraction, having easily hurt feelings, and my occasional hypochondria. A quad of easily my most destructive foibles. I became a worrier when i got old(er) and saw how much there was to worry about. I mean really, all you got to do is read a paper. And i've had issues with self-confidence since the womb. :( My easily hurt feelings have lead me down a path of excessive self-effacement, and prevented me from trying things because i *think* something may make me look stupid. My hypochondria is just annoying. Seriously why do i think im so special that every horrible incurable disease is coming to me? lol.
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lack of humility. Or worse, a person who masquerades as humble but in reality is a raging narcissist.
5. Which living person do you most admire? Only one? I gotta break the rules. My mommy and daddy, and my grandparents - on both sides of the family. They have set such fine examples in... everything. Im blessed to have them all in my life.
6. What is your greatest extravagance? Letting myself open up and be truly vulnerable with my SO. I keep my feelings to myself. I prefer to work out things privately. I shy at the thought of displaying my shortcomings, my frailties, my imperfections. Expressing myself, raw and unedited, is a luxury. Sometimes I need coaching. I think this kind of indulgence is so hard for me because it's me asking for acceptance, even as i reveal parts of myself the may elicit rejection. It also implies a level of intimacy and trust. Letting go and being emotionally naked is an extravagance indeed. But i love the feeling when it happens, the security in revealing insecurity.
Oh but as far as material things? I can't say for sure. It's between my clothing, shoes, make up... and electronics. lol. Im working on stepping my personal library up though. As a bibliophile, my collection could and should be much better. (It ain't shabby though)
7. What is your current state of mind? contemplative. distracted. maybe a bit emo. tender, sultry... and a little naughty. ;-)
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? After consulting a list of virtues, Im going to go with - ambition. I was never that impressed with "ambitious" people. The notion of ambition has always left me with a *shrug* kind of feeling. Left unchecked this "virtue" does more harm than good, the need to be treated deferentially, to attain power, wealth, glory, some type of notoriety (even in small doses) is more of a disservice to oneself, and often a detriment to others.
9. On what occasion do you lie? Calling out of work when im "sick." Also when i don't want my family to worry. For ex: my grandmom calls and asks how im doing and i say "fine" even though i may have been just crying my eyes out five seconds earlier. I know i'll be ok, so why bother them with my issues?
10. What do you most dislike about your appearance? My lips. My height. My complexion when i havent gotten enough sun.
11. Which living person do you most despise? I can't think of a single person I despise. A lot of people annoy me though. lol.
12. What is the quality you most like in a man? Agreeableness/Easygoing..ness. There's is nothing worse than a curmudgeon-y dude. Just irritable all the time, always on edge... a jerk. YUK. Agreeableness is closely followed by a sense of humor. Easy going and funny is like my favorite combo ever.
13. What is the quality you most like in a woman? Friendliness. An underused asset in feminine community. Especially with regards to other women. There's this horrible trend of women viewing any woman other than their female family members (and sometimes not even they are exempt) as the enemy. There's nothing like meeting a woman and she's kind... gracious, genuine. And not that fake stuff that you see right through.
14. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I don't know. No, really. I say "I don't know" more than I care to admit.
15. What or who is the greatest love of your life? The love for my family. Lovers come and go, friendships ebb and flow... but the love for my family STAYS. Not to undermine my romantic love - but my family has my heart for now, and forever.
16. When and where were you happiest? When i was notified that i had a rich uncle who recently died, and willed me his multimillion dollar fortune. Ok, that hasn't happened yet, but when it does i'm positive that will be my happiest moment. lol.
17. Which talent would you most like to have? There's a few. I adore carpentry. I'd love to be able to build my own house. I'd like to be a math whiz. I can sing but i wanna SANG. Id like to possess the range of minnie, the bombast of aretha, of the purity and intonation of ella, the improvisation and emotional heft of billie, the sassiness of sarah, and the sensuality of toni. Ok, and the bank account of beyonce.
18. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'd be four inches taller.
19. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Dang. Yall getting deep. Um... Is it sad that i can't think of one right now? I guess.. never doing drugs?
20. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? Halle Berry. lol.
21. Where would you most like to live? In your heart and mind. Also, in a four bedroom condo on a beach in tahiti.. with all the modern amenities. :)
22. What is your most treasured possession? My sanity.
23. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Hopelessness. When you lose hope, you have nothing.
24. What is your favorite occupation? Full time humanity critic. I like providing good natured sarcastic commentary on all facets of life. Now if only someone would pay me. :)
25. What is your most marked characteristic? I'm nice. I hate that descriptor, but whatever. I could be labeled worse things. I'm also a a nerd and cornball, and generally nonthreatening. lol.
26. What do you most value in your friends? Generosity, truthfulness, kindness, empathy, humor, the desire to encourage.
27. Who are your favorite writers? Margaret Mitchell. P.G Wodehouse. Raymond Chandler. Carolyn Keene. Agatha Christie. :)
28. Who is your hero of fiction? Scarlett O'hara. SO misunderstood she was. People saw the rough exterior - but she truly was vulnerable, tender in nature. Unfortunately, she was her own worst enemy at times, and had to learn the hard way that sometimes "i'm sorry" doesn't make everything better. That being overly absorbed in your own problems, and letting life be reduced to your own myopic point of view can often cause you to lose out on what you are most trying to obtain. That a good intention is rendered naught if the method used is wrong. But despite her diet of tough lessons, heartbreak and loneliness, she stayed devoted to her family. She learned love and loyalty comes from the place you least expect it, and remained optimistic about the future even after the realization that her epiphany came too late. She never let disappointment immobilize her. After all "tomorrow is another day."
29. Which historical figure do you most identify with? Rochefoucauld? A an observant cynic. He saw life through the same wormwood colored glasses :-)
30. Who are your heroes in real life? My mom and Dad.
31. What are your favorite names? I have a thing for Gaelic names.
32. What is it that you most dislike? Winter. Long lines. Crowds. Beets. Rowdy kids. Disrespectful service workers. Rude people in general. Outsourced customer service. Overcooked steak. People who talk in cliches. That sinking feeling when you pull on your jeans and you say "yeah... i've gained weight" :(
33. What is your greatest regret? That i never told my friend how much i loved him and now he's gone.
34. How would you like to die? La petite mort ;-) Oh... you mean my ultimate demise? lol. In my sleep, painlessly.
35. What is your motto? "Measure twice, cut once."
Well, im not Proust, but I decided would take my hand at answering the questions. I can't promise anything remotely pithy, insightful or even witty. Instead, expect answers equal parts glib, cheeky and flippant - with the occasional thoughtfulness - maybe even solemnity peeking through. It was a fun project, especially since i'm sitting home watching the snowpacalypse go by (thundersnow? really?) and i really have nothing better to do. And if you reside on the mid atlantic seaboard you probably don't either, so I figured i'd share. Maybe you could tell me what it reveals about me. For me, i'm just as clueless as ever. :)
The Proust Questionnaire:
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Hm. Peace of mind = perfect happiness. Peace of mind knowing that my loved ones - family and friends - are not just alive, but well. Peace meaning not worrying about bills, health, or any of the other vagaries of life that tend to nickel and dime at my contentment quotient. Peace that allows you to have true wonderful and RESTFUL sleep at night. Of course, that kind of happiness is more idealistic than realistic. So, i'll settle for a cup of tea, the SO, Star Wars and/or Indiana Jones marathon, accompanied by a game of scrabble AND a huge piece of peach cobbler. I'm simple.
2.What is your greatest fear? Tripping and falling in front of a large group of people. Yes there are deeper, more melodramatic psychology-student-friendly fears but yeah. This is up there.
...
Ok.. you wanted something substantial? Mortality. The idea of losing friends and/or family in death. The idea of losing my own life. The idea of getting sick. Of seeing my loved ones sick. One reason i hate to go to the doctor even as i dabble in hypochondria from time to time. Even seeing visiting my sister in the hospital after she had each of my nephews was a CHALLENGE for me. It was a happy occasion but i was still freaked. I don't like things that remind of my own mortality, or that of others.
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Oh my, just one trait? Seriously, I have so many unsavory characteristics of which i'd love to divest myself. But at the top...worrying, second guessing myself to distraction, having easily hurt feelings, and my occasional hypochondria. A quad of easily my most destructive foibles. I became a worrier when i got old(er) and saw how much there was to worry about. I mean really, all you got to do is read a paper. And i've had issues with self-confidence since the womb. :( My easily hurt feelings have lead me down a path of excessive self-effacement, and prevented me from trying things because i *think* something may make me look stupid. My hypochondria is just annoying. Seriously why do i think im so special that every horrible incurable disease is coming to me? lol.
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lack of humility. Or worse, a person who masquerades as humble but in reality is a raging narcissist.
5. Which living person do you most admire? Only one? I gotta break the rules. My mommy and daddy, and my grandparents - on both sides of the family. They have set such fine examples in... everything. Im blessed to have them all in my life.
6. What is your greatest extravagance? Letting myself open up and be truly vulnerable with my SO. I keep my feelings to myself. I prefer to work out things privately. I shy at the thought of displaying my shortcomings, my frailties, my imperfections. Expressing myself, raw and unedited, is a luxury. Sometimes I need coaching. I think this kind of indulgence is so hard for me because it's me asking for acceptance, even as i reveal parts of myself the may elicit rejection. It also implies a level of intimacy and trust. Letting go and being emotionally naked is an extravagance indeed. But i love the feeling when it happens, the security in revealing insecurity.
Oh but as far as material things? I can't say for sure. It's between my clothing, shoes, make up... and electronics. lol. Im working on stepping my personal library up though. As a bibliophile, my collection could and should be much better. (It ain't shabby though)
7. What is your current state of mind? contemplative. distracted. maybe a bit emo. tender, sultry... and a little naughty. ;-)
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? After consulting a list of virtues, Im going to go with - ambition. I was never that impressed with "ambitious" people. The notion of ambition has always left me with a *shrug* kind of feeling. Left unchecked this "virtue" does more harm than good, the need to be treated deferentially, to attain power, wealth, glory, some type of notoriety (even in small doses) is more of a disservice to oneself, and often a detriment to others.
9. On what occasion do you lie? Calling out of work when im "sick." Also when i don't want my family to worry. For ex: my grandmom calls and asks how im doing and i say "fine" even though i may have been just crying my eyes out five seconds earlier. I know i'll be ok, so why bother them with my issues?
10. What do you most dislike about your appearance? My lips. My height. My complexion when i havent gotten enough sun.
11. Which living person do you most despise? I can't think of a single person I despise. A lot of people annoy me though. lol.
12. What is the quality you most like in a man? Agreeableness/Easygoing..ness. There's is nothing worse than a curmudgeon-y dude. Just irritable all the time, always on edge... a jerk. YUK. Agreeableness is closely followed by a sense of humor. Easy going and funny is like my favorite combo ever.
13. What is the quality you most like in a woman? Friendliness. An underused asset in feminine community. Especially with regards to other women. There's this horrible trend of women viewing any woman other than their female family members (and sometimes not even they are exempt) as the enemy. There's nothing like meeting a woman and she's kind... gracious, genuine. And not that fake stuff that you see right through.
14. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I don't know. No, really. I say "I don't know" more than I care to admit.
15. What or who is the greatest love of your life? The love for my family. Lovers come and go, friendships ebb and flow... but the love for my family STAYS. Not to undermine my romantic love - but my family has my heart for now, and forever.
16. When and where were you happiest? When i was notified that i had a rich uncle who recently died, and willed me his multimillion dollar fortune. Ok, that hasn't happened yet, but when it does i'm positive that will be my happiest moment. lol.
17. Which talent would you most like to have? There's a few. I adore carpentry. I'd love to be able to build my own house. I'd like to be a math whiz. I can sing but i wanna SANG. Id like to possess the range of minnie, the bombast of aretha, of the purity and intonation of ella, the improvisation and emotional heft of billie, the sassiness of sarah, and the sensuality of toni. Ok, and the bank account of beyonce.
18. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'd be four inches taller.
19. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Dang. Yall getting deep. Um... Is it sad that i can't think of one right now? I guess.. never doing drugs?
20. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? Halle Berry. lol.
21. Where would you most like to live? In your heart and mind. Also, in a four bedroom condo on a beach in tahiti.. with all the modern amenities. :)
22. What is your most treasured possession? My sanity.
23. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Hopelessness. When you lose hope, you have nothing.
24. What is your favorite occupation? Full time humanity critic. I like providing good natured sarcastic commentary on all facets of life. Now if only someone would pay me. :)
25. What is your most marked characteristic? I'm nice. I hate that descriptor, but whatever. I could be labeled worse things. I'm also a a nerd and cornball, and generally nonthreatening. lol.
26. What do you most value in your friends? Generosity, truthfulness, kindness, empathy, humor, the desire to encourage.
27. Who are your favorite writers? Margaret Mitchell. P.G Wodehouse. Raymond Chandler. Carolyn Keene. Agatha Christie. :)
28. Who is your hero of fiction? Scarlett O'hara. SO misunderstood she was. People saw the rough exterior - but she truly was vulnerable, tender in nature. Unfortunately, she was her own worst enemy at times, and had to learn the hard way that sometimes "i'm sorry" doesn't make everything better. That being overly absorbed in your own problems, and letting life be reduced to your own myopic point of view can often cause you to lose out on what you are most trying to obtain. That a good intention is rendered naught if the method used is wrong. But despite her diet of tough lessons, heartbreak and loneliness, she stayed devoted to her family. She learned love and loyalty comes from the place you least expect it, and remained optimistic about the future even after the realization that her epiphany came too late. She never let disappointment immobilize her. After all "tomorrow is another day."
29. Which historical figure do you most identify with? Rochefoucauld? A an observant cynic. He saw life through the same wormwood colored glasses :-)
30. Who are your heroes in real life? My mom and Dad.
31. What are your favorite names? I have a thing for Gaelic names.
32. What is it that you most dislike? Winter. Long lines. Crowds. Beets. Rowdy kids. Disrespectful service workers. Rude people in general. Outsourced customer service. Overcooked steak. People who talk in cliches. That sinking feeling when you pull on your jeans and you say "yeah... i've gained weight" :(
33. What is your greatest regret? That i never told my friend how much i loved him and now he's gone.
34. How would you like to die? La petite mort ;-) Oh... you mean my ultimate demise? lol. In my sleep, painlessly.
35. What is your motto? "Measure twice, cut once."
And because this song had me feeling myself tonight :) -
Toni Braxton - How many ways
Toni Braxton - How many ways
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4 comments:
I dig this..I'm going to do it on my blog too
Yessir! That's whats up. Can't wait to see your responses. :)
I think I want to answer this questionnaire too. However, many of our answers are identical. No wonder we click. lol
and 'tis why i ♥ you janelle. :) Regardless, you should do it too! We are similar but it'd be dope to see your spin on the answers just as well. (Plus, i'm nosy. lol)
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