Digging in your heels only makes the other party more insistent. You’re bigger than this. Yield on a point or two and s/he will see reason.
You put a lot of time into prep work and it’s paying off, but don’t stop now. Build on your momentum and take things to the next level.
Maybe you need to be more flexible? Plans have been known to change and you don’t want to be a stick in the mud.
It’s a gift to see the other point of view, but it’s not always wise to say so. Discretion is the better part of valor for good reason.
A rivalry is what you make of it. Expect the worst and you’ll be beaten; embrace the competitive spirit and you become the best you can be.
Someone you hoped to impress reacts like a cold fish. Don’t throw him back in the water yet. Try again, but invest in time spent together.