Directions. A hand with a box. A favour from a colleague. Someone to check your writing.
Most people carry around a list of things they decided not to ask for.
Sources
Flynn FJ, Bohns VK (2008) — If You Need Help, Just Ask: Underestimating Compliance With Direct Requests for Help, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 95(1), 128-143. Across the first three studies people underestimated compliance by as much as 50%
Liu PJ, Rim S, Min L, Min KE (2023) — The Surprise of Reaching Out: Appreciated More Than We Think, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 124(4), 754-771. N = 2,118 US adults across scenarios, recalled experiences and live interactions