Doctored words

In Shantaram, the author mentions 3 things in common in good doctors -
1. They are good observers
2. They are good listeners
3. They are very tired.
Actually coming from an absolutely non medical person, he has come very close to the truth. What would be the attributes of good patient?
1. Questions - Dont know which is better. To be overly inquisitive or to not ask any questions at all. Most parents that I deal with are of the second variety. They hardly ask any questions except if the child is okay. A very common experience is after you explain about the child being very sick and critical, they would ask something very "dumb" like 'But nothing else is wrong, is it?'. I used to think only uneducated parents would fail to grasp the seriousness of the situation. But as days have gone, i have come to realize that education makes no difference. This question merely stems from the hope that the doctor would something positive. Usually most parents require to be explained everything thrice to grasp the gist of the matter. I dont know in the developed countries, where the patient load is lesser and more doctors are available, if the doctor explains everything succintly. The other depressing fact is that the parent on whom you spend the longest time and try to explain the whole disease and the expexted outcome is the one who is maximally confused. Once I told one mother around 15 times( no exxageration) in the span of one day that her child should not eat salty things like pickle and should not drink fruit juices prior to discharge. When she came back to the OPD, she told me her child was subsisting only on fruit juices and pickle. Could she give some rice atleast?
I have always resisted the temptation to tell the parent that everything is alright. Somehow to me thats a lie even if it is said with a good heart.

2. Non believers Some parents just dont trust whatever is told and would take a second, third or the nth opinion. Earlier I used to get upset at the parent. Nowadays have become more sensible and just smile and tell them my frank opinion. If it screws up their idea of what is right, doesnt bother me.

Water of love deep in the ground, but there aint no water here to be found.

Feeling very sleepy. Will continue this some other time.