So one time I was going through Prowl's tag (a dangerous game, considering how many people who don't like his IDW1 self pop up in there), I saw a post where the OP points how so many characters in IDW1 become obsessed with him and what on Earth he did that got them hooked.
It's... Actually not difficult. You don't need to be some master manipulator. You just meet someone with obsessive tendencies as they're looking for something and they'll project what they want all on their own. (Disclaimer: this is not a blanket statement.)
I've experienced in my own life and I do see it in Prowl's relationships.
Mesothulas|Tarantulas wanted someone to inspire his work. Prowl did that by complimenting him and having ideas for tools that would help his plans for the Autobots to win the war. He wants Prowl to be his "muse" and... Is not really shown to care much about him outside of that box; an example being when he actively ignores Prowl's emotional turmoil to show him the Noisemaze.
Chromedome was always looking for an anchor for his mental health. We see it in his relationship with Rewind and I believe it was present with Prowl. The relationship breaks down after Prowl does not agree to go on a mission with him, thus Prowl no longer being that unshakeable anchor.
The Constructicons lost their leader and needed someone to step into that role. After Prowl was forced to combine with them, they were able to see into his mind, saw the leadership qualities they wanted, and latched on. Prowl hated this (for good reason).
Arcee saw him as someone who could point her anger at a target and we see her resent him when he turns to anyone else.
In a different and non-obsessive manner, Optimus projected his idea of what an Autobot tactician should be on Prowl and attacked him when he failed (I mean, nevermind the fact that, when this happened, Prowl was going through tons of unresolved trauma and had little to no support from the people around him...).
There's nothing we see Prowl actively do to get people to like him. In fact, he's shown to be pretty terrible at it. His general nature just happens to be a magnet for obsessive types who want or need direction.
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