The weak in courage is strong in cunning.

Where directness is unavailable, indirect methods develop. People who cannot say the thing find other routes to it: hints, manoeuvres, alliances, arrangements that produce the result without anyone having to be openly disagreed with. Some of that is manipulation and some is plain survival, since not everybody is in a position where speaking straight is safe.

When you notice yourself going the long way round, ask which of the two it is. And when you are dealing with somebody who never comes at things directly, consider whether you have made the direct route expensive for them.