He wants someone submissive, but pushy enough, who can guess what he wants without saying anything so he can play at being pushed into things to save his own thin face.

so he plays at being passive, but if you don't play his game right he's an unlovable frustrating wall.

he won't ever be direct

but it can't be too submissive, because again, he needs to play at being pushed a little

such a high maintenance man