When you want something do you ask for it or do you go about it indirectly?

I heard a story today about a man who wanted to be with his family but couldn't quite ask because that was too difficult. As it happened his mother and younger brother were in hospital for something or other and the man who couldn't ask to see them found himself in the same hospital. he put his elbow through some glass and ended up in emergency.
He got his wish all right, but rather indirectly!
So how do you go about it?