“Could you please align these variable definitions so they’re easier to read.” Is considered a polite imperative [0].
[0] https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/question-mark-...
[0] https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/question-mark-...
Less flippantly (but still true), knowing that there's at least two ways to interpret something and that at least one of them may be humorous helps me remember not to assume bad intent when I hear or read something I don't like. Often it's just their clumsiness or my over-sensitivity.
On the other hand, perhaps it also helps me hear more of the slights that are in there too! You can't win 'em all.