Stomach Full of Acid

The older I get, the more I hate being in crowds or being forced to participate in things I have no value for. If I do, it has more to do with the politics of personal relationships; buying silence and placating. Social contracts also hold no value for me so outside of saying 'excuse me' after a burp or fart, we've got nothing to talk about.
Birthday parties beyond your childhood years? Ok, but do I have to be invited? Do I have to speak and pretend I want to be there?
It's not that I think I'm better than anyone, it's just that I hate that nagging feeling of having to dredge up light talk with a fake smile over beers about absolutely nothing. It is actually physically taxing for me to HAVE to talk to strangers when I'd rather be lying on my bed staring at the walls or watching TV.
Am I an asshole? Maybe, but I am me. I wish some people would just stop trying to change me.