Bob and Larry

So a friend of mine and I ended up in a lengthy conversation over whether I would be more properly called Bob or Larry. Yes-the the beloved tomato and cucumber from Veggie Tales! The simple answer is . . . how about Ivy; but we did way better than that! I said Bob somewhat arbitrarily and my friend decided that it was more appropriate that I would be Larry. So of course I had to know why.

My friend quickly responded that clearly I was Larry referring to his light hearted and joyful nature. After all he sings songs about his hairbrush and water buffaloes. This, while Bob is the more serious character who tends to be focused on the details and keeping things in order. Of course I quickly disagreed with her statement and argued that I was clearly Bob citing his need for control and attention to detail. And the conversation went on into its intended direction. But as I went to bed that night, this conversation lingered in my head.

In complete honesty, I also find myself identifying with the short and round characteristics of Bob. That is likely the primary reason I identify with this particular character over Larry. Then I saw what I consider to be an interesting correlation with their physical characteristics and their “personality styles.”

Bob, the short and round character just happens to be the one that carries all of the responsibilities and needs to keep things in order. One might say, on the verge of needing to remain in complete control. Somewhat like when we as people try to carry the weight of our jobs, families, friends or even the world on our shoulders. Seems like that much weight on our shoulders could make us a little more short and round and maybe even a little round!

Larry, in contrast, is tall and thin and green! He towers over Bob almost like a person with their head held high next to someone whose low self esteem draws their eyes toward their feet. And he is the one who knows how to laugh and have fun and doesn’t take life quite so seriously. He appears to not be weighed down but instead is full of life. And of course, green often symbolizes life!

I personally don’t find it beneficial to find yourself strictly on either camp. But it can be helpful to evaluate life in ways that are a little easier (and fun) to see!