It sounds good but narcisstic (and other similar types) people are very good telling others exactly what they want to hear. They’d concoct such wonderful response about their growth and improvement and learning that you’ll be head over heels on the first date.

Less believing to things people say especially in response to a pointed question. More observing people in different situations, their interactions with others, their life style, things they do and say (not in response to a question), and spend enough time with them prior to getting too close. Also observing how they proceed in a relationship. In my experience it is a better strategy.