We just went to Cranes for my husband’s birthday—it was an incredible treat with some flavor combos I’d never had before. I loved the fact that everything felt new and fresh but nothing was so outside my comfort zone that I couldn’t enjoy it.

A few suggestions—I don’t have a ton of experience with MeetUps, but they seem to be really popular in the area. There’s got to be something that aligns with your interests. There’s probably also some comedy clubs or other entertainment venues where you can hang out before and after to mingle. There are some good restaurants that also do non-clubby but still social NYE events (I went to one at Jack Rose a few years back and it was loud and high-spirited without being obnoxiously overful), which might be a good way to combine some interests. And maybe put out a call on this sub if you find something, it feels like there are usually takers when someone gets the ball rolling. Good luck and congratulations on a great year!

I don’t know if it was a grift, but it sure sounds like boundary testing to me. Like, if you’re willing to give up the last number of your SS number (because it’s “no big deal”), then what else are you willing to share? And eventually, that could indeed stack up to enough information that it could be compromising, or it could be totally benign, but it’s an odd enough question that it stands out. Why didn’t they ask about your phone number or your favorite number? Those feel more like getting to know you questions than your SS number. ETA: I meant to say, you were very wise to trust your instincts. I’m just mentioning the “boundary testing” for people who may be unfamiliar with the concept or who, unlike OP, may have been inclined to not listen to their gut out of politeness.