I agree with everything you have said and enjoyed reading it. I love a brilliant mind and rarely get comments so articulate.

But I think you misunderstood why I have a problem with this advice. It's not that there isn't truth in it. The problem is the advice is not helpful to anyone experiencing rejection.

In Medea's case, I suspect he simply met someone else he liked more. And if I am to be really cynical...that is the most common reason someone pulls away. But the reasons are not what matters when giving advice.

I take a stoic stance when pathologizing someone's interest. The exercise is pointless. You cannot control events. You can only control your reaction to them. And this advice makes someone internalize rejection.