Reading between the lines

Has anyone ever tried to subtly suggest something to people without saying it outright? 

I’m always really conscious of what other people are trying to say, and trying to pick up on subtext. And I really worry that I’m going to miss it and take something on face value that wasn’t meant that way.

But when I try, and perhaps I’m not doing it right, they never seem to read between the lines at all. If I say it outright then I’m accused of being too blunt, rude or confrontational, but if I try and hint around it then no one seems to pick up on it at all. I’m not sure if I’m just being too subtle or whether people don’t bother if its not in their own interests. 

Any ideas?