I didn't expect to get anything from you in response to my recent appeal for participation but a blank stare or a vague promise. Dear FAKE, Suddenly some people I never cared for before are being overly and suspiciously nice to me. I think it is because I'm no longer with a person they dislike immensely. If so, I'd call that a definite possible in the motive department.
Nothing stirs the smoldering embers of lust better than sudden singlehood.
Never take anything or anyone at face value, especially a face. One thing I have discovered, having spent the majority of my SCA life as the less important half of a couple, is that couples are usually judged as a unit, not as two individuals. You don't tackle one without taking on the other as well, so people with a serious problem with Joe will just ignore Mary because the effort needed to isolate Mary is too great. As to the second part of your question, I find that a little pointless social groveling is good for the soul and the ego of the recipient, and should not be discouraged unless you happen to like the groveler. I mean, don't crush the hopes and aspirations of someone merely to save them from humiliation.