Have you ever said something like, “I guess I’ll just fold all these clothes myself,” or “Must be nice to have a man who cooks,” while secretly hoping someone would step in and help you? If so, you might be dry begging—and you’re not alone.
“Dry begging” is when you hint at what you want without actually asking for it. Instead of saying, “Can you please help me with the laundry?” you drop a comment like, “Wow, this pile is getting out of hand.” It’s a subtle way of asking for help or attention, without being direct.
We all do it from time to time. Maybe you don’t want to seem needy. Maybe you think the other person should already know what you want. But here’s the truth: people aren’t mind readers. Dry begging can lead to miscommunication, hurt feelings, and unmet needs.
It’s okay to ask for what you need. In fact, it’s healthier to be direct. Try saying, “Can you wash the dishes tonight?” instead of, “Guess I’ll be doing the dishes again.”
So next time you catch yourself dry begging, take a step back and speak up. Being honest about your needs can actually bring you closer to the people around you.