Calling a spade a spade

Don't ask me how I do it, but I am always putting my foot in my mouth on account of my overbearing honesty. Time and again, others have warned me to desist from being so forthright, but I have been unable to withstand injustice or tolerate incompetence, stupidity, unprofessionalism, and all such acts of ineptitude. Hence, I often shoot off at the mouth and end up harming my own standing among my near and dear ones, as well as among those with whom I do business.

I know and understand my weakness and there have been several occasions when I have successfully held on to my sanity and have remained quiet; however, on the majority of occasions, I have not been able to hold on and have called a spade a spade.

Let me give you an example of my foolishness: let us say that a patient asks a question which you frankly know is outright stupid. As a doctor, I know that patients ARE prone to asking such questions as they have NO medical knowledge. My correct response should be to maintain my composure and to answer the question in a matter of fact manner. What I do do is that inevitably, I break out into a laugh or guffaw aloud so much that the patient is immediately made to feel inferior.

Their response is to laugh it off with me at that time, but I know that they have been hurt by my casual and inconsiderate response ... and I cannot do anything about it.

Have you, dear reader, faced such a problem with your people? If yes, please share your experience with me.