I went through something similar with phrases like “I’m curious if you’d be willing to help me move.” While I really meant “I hope that you’ll help me move.”
My personal experience was that shifting this hope/expectation toba real sense of curiosity “Hmm, Does this person want to help me move?” Made it more pleasant for both of us. I became genuinely curious about their answer, and there was less pressure both internally and externally.
I went through something similar with phrases like “I’m curious if you’d be willing to help me move.” While I really meant “I hope that you’ll help me move.”
My personal experience was that shifting this hope/expectation toba real sense of curiosity “Hmm, Does this person want to help me move?” Made it more pleasant for both of us. I became genuinely curious about their answer, and there was less pressure both internally and externally.