Do you hate indirect speech?

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Well...do you?

Yes

But what are you trying to say?

Maybe in a roundabout kind of way

Absolutely hate it. My mother-in-law always speaks in indirect speech, dropping hints as to what she wants. Drives me baaa-naaa-naas...

What exactly is the definition of indirect speech?

I initially thought this thread was about grammatical definitions, for example:

Direct Speech: Father Christmas said "I will be going on strike this year unless I receive a pay-rise".

Indirect Speech: Father Christmas said that he would be going on strike this year unless he received a pay-rise.


But perhaps it's more likely about bluntness (speaking one's mind) versus roundabout expression, tact, diplomacy, etc?

. . . because I do! I prefer interacting with those on the forum who have the same communicative style that I have.

I've often looked up to those who practised it because it seemed to denote intelligence. I tried to mimic them, and, eventually, I learned the hard way and very slowly that its value doesn't come from being a way to show off how smart you are, but from being a sign that you can afford to behave that way and noöne will break your nose. If you stupidly do it without having the proper status or power, they will break your nose.

Yes, but I'm not sure this is such a random topic. I imagine indirect speech is disliked by most aspies

direct speech: "I'm going to the store to pick up some cigarettes."
indirect speech: "although luther terry warned against the dangers of smoking, I just can't quit, I'm out of cigarettes and I'm gonna have to get some more, but I don't really wanna leave the house today, I am feeling agoraphobic and I just wanna crawl back into bed, I sure wish somebody [hint] would go to the store for me and bring me back some cigarettes."

Somewhat....though I am sure I am guilty of it myself.

^^^touché

Let's put it this way: I want people to tell me exactly what they mean, without hinting, or sarcasm, or anything else that confuses me. Just say what you mean! I say that all the time and it doesn't seem to get through to some people.