Ha, I had this very same experience. I ran out and purchased a tire pressure gauge with a clock-face meter attachment that shows psi and metric pressures. The first time I put it on, I had to do it 3 times, which pretty much flattened the tire. After I figured it out (depress the pressure release valve on gauge before removing from the tire), I pumped the tire back up as hard as possible, then checked again. It was at almost 30 psi (25 is recommended), so I let a bit out, and it was pretty much right on.
Lesson I learned: 1. Know the gauge mechanics; 2. Do it quick! And no way would I do it before every ride. I will likely check for damage, embedded stuff, etc. But I feel your pain.