Thsimilar indicate the person is generallere are expressions that annoy us intensely. Top of the list comes “to be fair”, then “to be honest”, “I have to say” and so on.
No, you don’t have to say. You can keep your mouth closed and keep your opinions private.
“To be fair” and similar indicate that the person speaking is usually unfair, and that being fair is such an usual thing for them that it merits a highlight.
“To be honest” shows that normally, this person lies about everything.
Why do they do that?
“Don’t get me wrong” is another, something that you get in reviews. It goes something like “This album is terrible. The singing is off key, the mixing is dreadful, the tunes lack tunes and are unmemorable… but don’t get me wrong, this is still a great cd.”
Talk about sitting on a fence.