But it’s listening, too. It’s being able to understand how you yourself interact with the world and why you believe the things you do, and where those beliefs come from. It’s being able to understand why someone else does what they do, and that it’s not malice or even ignorance sometimes just something they are functionally unable or unwilling to change. And knowing what is in your power to control in these relationships.

It’s being able to look in the mirror when you’re upset and get to the source of that upset, even if it’s ugly. Be able to ask yourself “but why?” until you get to the core.

If this were many years ago, I’d say that both he and Harry needed that confirmation and reassurance from us acknowledging them. It felt like a form of expression they needed at the time. Now honestly I see it more as a kind of fan service, really. Like throwing us a bone once in a while?! A little “here’s something for those of you who get it.” And as fans, we love that, man… we really do, and he knows it.

And let’s be honest, whether Larry is real or not, they obviously benefit from Larrybaiting, always did. It keeps people paying attention. If you look at his Spotify numbers for the new album, one of the most listened-to songs that isn’t a single is Sunflowers. That’s the song people were most excited and curious to hear. There’s no denying that Larry brings attention, even from non-Larries. People are curious.