Growing up I used to wonder if this odd observer role was an early sign of sociopathy or apathy but I later ruled it out, it's just amusing looking back at that. I've found that one can observe like that and still interact, it just happens faster the bigger the group or else it's overwhelming so I just let some trails of thought go to focus on others. People also tend to count on you to talk things out, gain perspective, or even be a blank wall to bounce thoughts off of...which also makes for interesting bonds with different friends. The older I get however the smaller the groups I join but it doesn't mean there are fewer people in my life. Or maybe I'm just nestling back into introversion after chiming in with the world.