Society seems to value the appearance of effortlessness whether it be skills, fashion, knowledge, social graces, etc. Grandparent's criticisms are just more spe

Society seems to value the appearance of effortlessness whether it be skills, fashion, knowledge, social graces, etc. Grandparent's criticisms are just more specific versions of calling someone a "try hard". Presumably they are punching down on people who appear to be trying a little too hard to be funny. It's a shame. Being entertaining is a skill that has to be developed and sometimes it's going to look like quite a lot of work and won't be entirely successful. The audience isn't sympathetic, though, and will cry "cringe" and muse about whatever deficiency you must be making up for.