The person who asks clearly has reduced the work of guessing.

Vagueness moves labour rather than removing it. A hint, a sigh or a half-request leaves the other person to work out what is wanted, by when, and what happens if they read it wrongly. Saying the thing plainly can feel demanding, yet it is usually the more considerate move, because it hands over a question instead of a puzzle. Clarity is a service to whoever has to respond.

Take one thing you have been hinting at and put it in a sentence: what you want, by when, and whether no is acceptable. Notice how much lighter the exchange becomes for both of you.