Like most Jewish homes, ours was loud and emotional. And that was just when we were deciding what to eat. My parents separated when I was nine and my siblings, Mum and I became a team. We were protective of her. Life was brilliantly chaotic and she made sure we always experienced new things. It’s Mum’s fault I’m not a solicitor. A few weeks before I was due to start law school, my friend Jack Peñate asked if I’d do backing vocals on his tour. He couldn’t pay me, but it was six weeks in America. Mum was clear: live your life, defer your place, go otherwise you’ll regret it. I went, and signed my first record deal soon after. I worked too hard when my first child was born. I was trying to prove something: that I was relevant, that I could do it all without any compromise or changes. My insecurities mean that my memories of her first year are bittersweet. I was desperate to create a mystique around me at the start of my career. I thought hiding my personality to seem enigmatic would help, but people just thought I was miserable. Starting a podcast with Mum freed me – she tells anyone anything. We always knew she was a star – now the world also sees it. Dave Chappelle licked me in a Minneapolis bar. I was on tour and I ended up having drinks with him and some friends afterwards. As I was saying my goodbyes, I swear to God, tongue touched face. It wasn’t sexual, just quite peculiar. He must have missed when trying to kiss me on the cheek goodbye. Sam and I have been together since we were 18. I’ve known him since childhood. He’s calm and kind – the perfect man. By nature I’m incredibly lazy. I will happily spend the whole day in bed while Sam looks at the mess that I’m making disgustedly. I blame my creativity, but I’m basically just a slob. I miss dancing and sweat – human touch and body odour. It’s not like I was going out raving every weekend before the pandemic, but now I long for that release: the closeness and proximity, those intimate moments on the dance floor with strangers. I’m quite stubborn. Or maybe I’m not. Actually, am I a contrarian? I don’t know. I’m a Libra: I can’t make decisions. Women in music are told they have a shelf life, but I’m 36 and have never felt stronger. Everything is falling into place. Jessie Ware’s album, What’s Your Pleasure?, is out now, and her book, Omelette, is available to pre-order