“I’m just being honest” isn’t a pass to be cruel. Honesty doesn’t need to leave bruises.

Honesty is about the content of what you say, not the force behind it. When that phrase comes first, the truth usually arrives already sharpened, and the sharpening was the point. Real honesty is uncomfortable for the speaker too, because it takes care and timing. Cruelty only takes an opening.

Before the next thing you were about to say straight, check whether you want them to have the information or want them to feel it. If it is the second one, wait a day. The same fact delivered privately, with no audience, usually lands as help instead of a hit.