Parlor Game? Our Proustian Questionnaire is Fun and Offers a Truthful Peek into the Lives of Others

We are all voyeurs who enjoy a candid glimpse into the lives of famous writers, actors, chefs, authors, politicians, artists, musicians and more. That’s why we quickly turn to the Proustian-style questions featured on the back page of Vanity Fair and in the New York Times Book Review section. We hear directly from these famous folks as if we’re sitting next to them and having a one-on-one, meaningful conversation, drilling down to what they usually don’t reveal. Complete fluff? So what! These trivial offerings lighten our mood at a time when anxiety is at an all-time high. Anything that brings us joy is a winner. 

Consider asking yourself these 13 questions or creating your own. You can also print them and share with others. Be completely honest in your answers. You might discover new information about a friend, partner, or acquaintance. This can be used as a conversational parlor game and is less taxing than Charades, Scrabble or Trivia.

When are you at your happiest? 

What provokes you to raise your voice and makes your blood pressure boil?

What would you like to change about your looks and/or personality?

What do you like best about yourself?

Who in your life has made the greatest impact on who you are today?

If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be and why?

What is the last good book you read?

If you could only go on one more trip, where would it be?

What is the worst movie or play you saw and may have walked out of?

What possession would you grab if someone yelled, “Fire! Leave the house now?”

What superpower would you like to possess?

What is your biggest regret?

Who are three people, alive or dead, you want to have cocktails or dinner with?