You will probably never know what really went wrong. It probably has nothing to do with you. Getting into someones head, that's not easy to do.
As to your subject line, sometimes there's nothing we can do. But you can go out knowing you tried. I don't think 180's, Act As If's, and these other approaches aren't really 'tricks' you apply for quick responses. They are changes that you have to adopt and live by, long term. Even if you lose this one, they will aid you in the future.
