I haven't rewatched it yet, but going off of my memory -- I think it's clear to the viewer what Korra wants, but I don't think she really makes it clear to Mako. In the first fight, he offered an opinion and she shot it down, leading him to think she just wants support. So he offers support and then she gets angry that he doesn't give her an opinion. Mako is neither tactful nor particularly perceptive -- I think there's plenty of room for improvement with both of them, relationship-wise.