Being a person, we seek help and assistance. But, sometimes we are forgetful that the other parties whom we are asking for, are human beings too with emotions, issues, personalities and different backgrounds. Hence, we are ‘Individuals’.
Just a sharing of my practice, hopefully it could somehow help you? May not be the best, but yeah, may give you some ideas , perhaps.
Most importantly, be nice and positive though sometimes (or most of the time), we are in dire straits.