This is similar to what I feel are fantasies. That other people who reject our fantasies help highlight that we are indeed motivated by Ego than seeing reality as it is.
I have had such an instance in pursuing a physical attraction. I had rose-colored glasses. But it's is like a game after all and if you don't play your cards right there go your chances. Nature teaches me it is a dance and these drives are normal... but perhaps I should be looking for more genuine connections than just physical ones? I still want the physical excitement.
It also interest me, your observation about Masters. It seems whenever I visit a Master- while I am comforted by their presence- shortly afterwards I go through some kind of conflict. My friend says this is the master speeding up our karma. In other words, it isn't always sunshine and roses. Perhaps like you said it's to help us realize where we are at in the map of consciousness. To help us grow.
What I have found is that as much as this physical body wants it’s way, it is better to let things flow naturally and not let our will attempt to make things happen. If it wasn’t meant to be… just let it be. We may use our efforts by attempting to somehow control or perhaps even encourage our actions to manifest in an over exertion of the will that manifests what later we recognize as ego. There’s is a divine order and a path meant for us. Finding and following it amounts to surrender of the will to higher forces. Easy to say, but not so easy to always do.
When someone else doesn’t respond after being kind and friendly I think that is your response.
