Hi Paisley, I agree with your assessment of Angelou's original intention behind that quote.

Unfortunately, it has become so hackneyed we often forget people don't show you who they are in the beginning. I have had several men lovebomb me with complements, favors, and flowers (showing) when they were just virtue signaling the nice guy act.

People never show you who they are from the beginning. And women should not blame themselves for falling for any form of early manipulation. It takes time to get to know someone.