Not everyone finds it easy to be direct, and instead they’ll drop hints instead of saying what they really mean.
When someone wants something from you but doesn’t want to come out and ask for it, they’ll usually pad their request with some more roundabout phrases, hoping that you’ll be more likely to do whatever it is they want. Keep your ears perked for some of these — they might sound familiar to you.
1. “I hope you’re not too busy right now.”
When someone kicks off with “I hope you’re not too busy right now,” they’re likely testing the waters to see if you’re available. It’s a subtle way of gauging your mood and availability without revealing the full request yet. They want to know they’ve got your attention before they dive into what they need. If you respond positively, they’ll feel safe moving forward. It’s like a prelude to a favour they hope you won’t turn down.
2. “You’re the best at this sort of thing.”
Hearing “You’re the best at this sort of thing” can be flattering, and that’s precisely the point. They’re setting up the conversation so that you’re reminded of your skills or talents. It’s a little confidence boost that they hope will make you inclined to help. This line suggests that they value your expertise and genuinely think you’re the one for the job. When the favour finally comes out, it doesn’t seem like too much to ask.
3. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”
When someone says, “I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” it often feels casual, yet there’s a clear intention behind it. They’re likely preparing you for a small request or even a significant ask. It’s a gentle way of setting the stage, implying that this is something they’ve genuinely thought about. It gives them a moment to build up to the question. It’s casual, but often hints at a favour they need.
4. “I wouldn’t normally ask, but…”
“I wouldn’t normally ask, but” is a classic opener when someone feels a bit hesitant or shy about their request. They’re letting you know this isn’t something they do often, hoping you’ll see it as a one-off. This phrase can sometimes make you feel needed, like they’re turning to you because you’re their go-to person. It subtly conveys trust in your ability to help. Often, it’s said with a sincere tone that’s hard to refuse.
5. “You’re so good with this stuff.”
“You’re so good with this stuff” is the kind of line meant to make you feel a little more appreciated. They’re hinting at a favour by acknowledging your skills or experience, often in a way that sounds genuinely admiring. It’s a nice compliment wrapped around a subtle ask. The line creates a sense that you’re the best person for the job. And it softens the eventual request that’s bound to follow.
6. “I just need a tiny favour.”
When someone says, “I just need a tiny favour,” it’s their way of downplaying the ask before revealing it. They’re hoping you’ll think, “Oh, that doesn’t sound too bad.” This usually aims to make the favour sound quick and manageable. It’s like they’re trying to assure you that they won’t take up too much of your time. Often, the ask is bigger than they let on, but they want you to feel at ease saying yes.
7. “If you’re free for just a minute…”
“If you’re free for just a minute” is a gentle way of opening the door to a conversation without pressuring you. They’re signalling that they only need a bit of your time—just enough to get in their request. It’s a polite and non-invasive way to ease into the topic. They’re being careful not to intrude, making it sound like a small ask. Before you know it, though, that ‘minute’ turns into a bit longer.
8. “This might sound silly, but…”
When someone says, “This might sound silly, but,” they’re often setting up an ask they feel is a bit awkward or self-conscious about. It’s their way of saying they know it might be a strange request, but they’re hoping you’ll be understanding. This phrase tends to make you more receptive, as it hints at vulnerability. By softening their approach, they’re hoping you’ll respond kindly. It’s an endearing way of leading into a favour.
9. “Can I ask your advice on something?”
“Can I ask your advice on something?” usually means they’re looking for more than just advice. They’re hoping you might lend a hand or get involved in a situation. It’s an indirect way to start talking about their need, easing into it with a bit of guidance. Often, people use this line as a bridge to a request. Once they have your attention, the actual favour often follows.
10. “I hate to bother you, but…”
When someone says, “I hate to bother you, but,” it’s a classic way of showing they respect your time and don’t want to inconvenience you. They’re acknowledging that they know you’re busy or might have other things going on. This opener is meant to reassure you that they don’t take your help for granted. It’s a respectful way of setting up an ask, hoping you’ll say, “It’s no bother at all.” Often, you’ll find it hard to turn down.
11. “You’ll laugh at this, but…”
“You’ll laugh at this, but” is often used to make the upcoming request feel a little lighter. It suggests that they’re not taking themselves too seriously and hope you’ll find it amusing as well. This often precedes a slightly quirky or unusual ask. By making you smile, they’re easing you into the request. It’s a playful way to introduce something they hope you won’t mind doing.
12. “Could you do me a small favour?”
When you hear, “Could you do me a small favour?” it’s the straightforward way of asking without too much preamble. They’re trying to make it sound like a quick, easy task that won’t take up much of your time. This line is often used when the favour is simple but requires a direct approach. It’s honest, clear, and puts the request out there with minimal fuss. Most people find it hard to say no to a ‘small favour’.
13. “I know you’re probably busy, but…”
“I know you’re probably busy, but” is a line used by someone who wants to acknowledge your schedule and commitments. They’re trying to show respect for your time before sliding in their request. This often makes you feel more open to helping, as they’re not assuming you’re immediately available. It’s a gentle way of balancing their need with your time. People tend to say this when they know you’re in high demand.
14. “Only if it’s not too much trouble…”
“Only if it’s not too much trouble” is a polite way of asking, with a hint of hesitation. They’re making it clear that they don’t want to inconvenience you and would understand if you’re too busy. This puts the ball in your court, letting you feel you’re free to say no. It often makes the request sound modest and manageable. They’re banking on your generosity while showing they’d understand a ‘no’.
15. “I’ve got a quick question for you.”
“I’ve got a quick question for you” is typically an opener when someone wants to slide into a more extended conversation or request. They’re framing it as a question to keep things light and casual. It’s inviting without putting too much weight on the conversation. It’s a gentle way of leading into a potential favour. Before you know it, the question turns into a bit more than you expected.
