The exceptional usage as the past tense which is used as the polite expression

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2.3. The exceptional usage as the past tense which is used as the polite expression.
The past tense is also used as the polite expression , when we ask or invite.

(6)
a. Did you want me?
b. I wondered if you could help me.

If the above is changed into the present tense, they are not polite. For example, "Do you want me?", instead of (6a), means impolite and direct.

Do you know why the past tense means polite?
Because it gives the past impression to the hearer, thus it gives the some distance and the hearer can feel the time to think about declining.
The past tense is used as the indirect expression and the present tense is used as the direct expression.

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