Oh, I don't want to be a bother

Meaning

The classic Midwestern way to ask for a favor while trying to pretend you are not asking for anything at all. It is a defensive maneuver against feeling like a burden.

Polite, humble

Used in a sentence

• Oh, I don't want to be a bother, but could you help me move this table?
• I don't want to be a bother, but do you have a spare charger?
• Oh, I don't want to be a bother, but could you watch the mail while I am gone?