if i'm being honest
- truthfullyWithout deception or lies
- honestlyIn a truthful manner
- franklyWithout concealment or evasion
- candidlyWithout concealment or evasion
- confessionAdmission of wrongdoing
vulnerable · real · raw · blunt · sincere · genuine · heart-to-heart · admission · trust · openness · unfiltered · straight-up · actually · really · revealing · intimate · authentic · direct
- Candor Phrasesto be honest, truth be told, honestly, frankly, to tell the truth
directness/diplomacy
if i'm being honestwith all due respect
Polite disclaimer before disagreeing
beating around the bush · dissembling · fibbing · stretching the truth
sincerity vs. formulaic speech
if i'm being honestas they say
Citing common expression
as the saying goes · in a manner of speaking · for what it's worth · just saying · no offense but