I'm Never Speaking Up Again

I may be a little too blunt.
You know, I never thought I was that...blatant before I started work in EMS. But now I can definitely see that I really am just brutally honest. Even what I consider fairly minimal on the blunt scale, my partner tends to find shocking. Hilarious, but shocking.
A lot of people view me as a "bitch" because of this. I say what I mean and I don't have regrets. People treat honesty as if it is unkind, but I disagree. Being completely honest, especially with a patient, I think shows a level of respect you just don't get from grazing over the details or using your special "grandma voice". You know the voice. That high-pitched, just-slightly-more-adult-than-baby-talk voice. I hate that voice. I think people should know the facts, be spoken to as if they are adults, hear all their options, and get a straight answer. Surely, even the most ridiculous 911-dialer deserves this.
I've been told I need a filter. I've been told I need to hold my tongue. Maybe that's true, but I don't say anything mean and I certainly don't say anything malicious or outright hurtful. I am only sarcastic if the patient is playing along. So, what do I need to reign in? Should I just stop talking?
I can't, truly, honestly, learn how to lie. I can't. And my bedside manner hasn't been a problem for any partner or any patient. So why do people have such a problem with my honesty?
I thought honesty was the best policy. Doesn't the truth always come out?
Here it is: I don't actually care that much. What? I'm just being honest. People can fuck off, I know I am good at my job. If I am a bitch for being honest, so be it. At least I know who I am.
Most of the people in my life love me for the very fact that I am so honest. I know who I am, they know who I am, they know where I stand and who we are to each other. Everyone else--the people who hate me on principle, clearly don't know me at all, or would rather be coddled or lied to--that's just not my style. It's a good thing, to have openness. Someday, maybe, the rest of the world will catch up.
Maybe.

Damn Baby, You Frustrate Me

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