Be sensitive

As a doctor, one comes across different complaints, some interesting, some quite weird. 
When one talks of one's own problems and has guts to admit the shortcomings, it is quite acceptable. 
But what  is strange is how people find some sort of sadistic pleasure in belittling a spouse (mostly wife) and the kids (mostly teenagers and in 20s). 
2 years ago..... 
In OPD.... 

A man comes with his wife and like most husbands who bring the wives, he dominated the conversation (reverse happens when wives bring their husbands) 
So this man started complaining openly about the wife.. But what struck me as strange was the expression of disgust on his face while describing the complaint. 
"Doctor, she smells so bad in her head ! 
It is so unbearable.... All the time ! 
I can't even sit with her. Even if she washes her hair daily, her scalp is forever emitting that horrible smell "
And he kept on repeating the same thing with animated expression on his face. 
I looked at the wife. Poor thing was sitting quietly, looking down at the floor, as if she had done some unforgivable crime and awaited my verdict. 
I felt so sorry for her. 
She was sitting on a patient stool beside my chair and I definitely didn't want to vomit ! 
On the contrary, she "smelled" normal. 
I mean if one takes into account the normalcy of the "innocent" scalp. 
No there was no excess oil secretion, any other medical problem with the scalp or hair. 
But it was the inner dissatisfaction of the husband, some repulsion towards the wife... 
Any reason to stay away from her and rule over her, to make her have low self esteem, make her feel a "no good". 
She wouldn't meet my eyes, she wouldn't say anything..... she was so intimidated by the husband. 
I felt the husband needed a counseling instead..... 
All those men who can't appreciate their wives...... They need to have a peek under their own beds ! 
The cobwebs of deceit, guilt, low self esteem..... Thick cobwebs. 
And what better way to put the blame on the poor wife that she is worthless because she is unable to clear those cobwebs ! 
No mister, first you need to take care of the "spider" within you, have a clear look at yourself. 
And most importantly -  Can you be honest for once? 
Do you detest the wife or your own smelly mind? 

Ah..... 
Another example.... 
Mothers bringing their children and saying negative things about them (some dominating fathers also join the flock but mostly it is mothers only) 
"Doctor, look at her /his skin ! How ugly she looks ! Such uneven skin ! How bad this and that is... Bla bla  bla.... "

Now what is annoying is the fact to call a child ugly. And that also in front of herself/himself and in front of others even if it is a doctor. 
Just because the kid has had few black heads or pimples (not a permanent thing), doesn't make the kid ugly. 
By criticizing the person we are making him /her more stressed and adding to the disease flare up. 
Just a few zits ! 
What a big deal ! 
Woman, there are better things you should be doing to help your child than making her /him feel like the ugliest child on this earth. 
Why not take a course in parenting? 
Or a visit to the counselor so that you can stop degrading your child?

My advice (unasked for) :
Never criticize anyone in a hateful manner even if it is in front of a doctor. 
Talk about your concerns separately if need be. 
But never ever make any human being feel  worthless..