I think you handled the intrusion very appropriately. Sounds like you were firm, but not cruel. This guy was looking to glom on to you for attention. It would have been all about him . . . not about you. I used to feel sorry for characters like that and try to be friendly and nice and offer some respite from their obvious loneliness. I know what it is to be lonely, and I felt that lonely people deserve lots of compassion. Over the years I attracted a number of lonely souls. I found that most of these folks will suck the life out of you. I still feel compassion for their plight and I try to give some attention in a controlled way, but my open door policy to all the lonely souls around me has been rescinded. My life is better for it.

I used to get phone calls that went on for hours and knocks on the door at all hours. Some lonely souls are lonely because they offer nothing in return. Some are pure hounds for attention. They probably can't help how they are, but I can't make that my problem. I learned how near to predatory some of these people are. They can be very smart about sizing up someone who is alone and might give them an opening. Don't take that as a reflection on your worth.

It can be hard to find congenial people to socialize with. Going to the "meet up" activity is a good way to try. Structured activities help. I haven't found that chatting with random people I run into in public leads to much more than just that. I hope you enjoy the meal, and give the meet up club a chance.