Have trouble asking for things when it inconveniences others
I have a lot of trouble asking for things if I think it’s going to inconvenience someone else or make things awkward or tense.
For example, I went to the dentist today to get a front tooth fixed that got chipped when I was younger, but the filling fell out. While working on the tooth, the dentist kept making small adjustments (she said her thoughts out loud as she went) and taking awhile, so I thought she was a perfectionist and it was going to look great. I wasn’t expecting when I looked it the mirror for it to look as bad as it did. The tooth was way too long and wide. It looked like a bit of a buck tooth. I had to ask her to make some adjustments and I ended up having to ask her twice because it still didn’t look right after the first time. I could tell she did not want to and seemed embarrassed, but I paid $600 (no insurance) for this one tooth and it’s a front tooth so it’s very visible. Felt so bad because she was so nice.
Earlier, at the front desk, I asked for a small cosmetic procedure on another tooth to be taken off that I didn’t yet agree to on the bill, and she said she would take it off. I paid using a payment plan and I guess it went through before she could adjust the total. She said “I can call them and ask to change it, or do you just want to get the procedure.” She was a nice lady and I don’t think she was trying to pressure anything, just hoping I would want to so she wouldn’t have to do an extra task, but I was sure I didn’t want to get the procedure.
I feel so awkward in these situations so I apologize a lot. I don’t want to appear arrogant. Does anyone else experience that. Is there a better way to respond?