My son was at a birthday party where he saw his first (official) magic show. As his dad, a former professional magician, I think I was more excited than him.

Upon returning home, my wife relayed the details of the party and the routines the magician chose for the show. My son enjoyed himself and participated in a few of the classic routines.

Again, I think I was more excited than him.

When prompted about the rest of the show, she spoke about the different routines and, having an eye from seeing a spectrum of shows from many different magicians, said it was good.

However, there was one routine that fell flat. The child who volunteered left the stage in the middle of it. When asked to describe it, I immediately knew the answer.

It was a routine with a running gag… but the gag itself is mean-spirited. I, and my colleagues at the time I began my performing career, refused to put it in our show because it elicits a laugh at the expense of the kid.

“Yeah, that’s it! I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t like it, but you described it right.”

Our intuition can always tell us why something feels right, tastes wrong, feels off, makes us uncomfortable or have certainty about a decision. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the knowledge, or experience, to understand and have the vocabulary to explain why.

If you’re ever curious, or in the dark, about why, take the time to figure it out. Ask an expert, do some searching and consult others.

You will expand your worldview in ways you couldn’t imagine.