i don't see this as "new" or strictly seen in one on ones.

People tend to flake out or lose interest and the worst part is, they don't have the balls to fix it or at least give someone a proper heads up. I don't think it's a "trend" as much it's just humans being humans. Communication usually fixes these issues but if one person just refuses to talk about why they're no longer interested or why they're ignoring someone after getting someone's hopes up, it's better to move on. Waiting doesn't do much, I'm afraid, it's better to be proactive and reach out to someone who's being [s]a dick[/s] rude, than to want them to suddenly look in your direction. Sometimes people get intimated when it comes to starting the story or their interest has waned. There are many reason why people do this but if both parties (in one on ones or in groups with the GM and problem player) can't come together, it's best to shrug and carry on. I'm rambling and reiterating here now.

All in all, it happens more often than it should.

But it's something you just have to get used to. People are finicky creatures and are hard to please. Communication to ensure everyone is on the same page, and happy, is the only solution I have but there's no use forcing something if not everyone is on board. *shrugs* Good luck, though.