That has always been me. As an adult I have always had just one or two close friends at any point in time. Never really part of a larger group of more casual friends. And I agree, in those situations it seems like most people are just bullshitting to say something. I rarely come away feeling like it was time well spent, or that I got to really know anything about anyone.

Much easier and more rewarding to spend time with one person at a time.

Oh yes. I'm the same! When I am in a larger group, I have a hard time opening up and having meaningful discussions, whereas on one on one settings it's easier.