Loneliness or aloneness, there are two important parts of what can be expressed in the phrase "lonely in a crowd." This is a choice, not a narrative for formation, because even if it is explained, its presence will always be the same: being alone in the midst of a crowd.
Both exist due to a reason rooted in the fundamental choices each individual makes in life, selecting and receiving the outcomes of their decisions or paths. In modern times, for example, amidst the chaos of rapid progress filled with notifications from various apps, does this occur due to the narrative of presence or deliberate choice? The chaos arises from the conscious decision to be present in life.
Attitudes determine choices, whether they are different or aligned, and whether they are visible or subtle. That part is not because of, but by why it can be. Culture, religion, community, or nation become dilemmas. It is not passive or active, but once again, the formation of human roots evaluates, is evaluated, and ultimately chooses. Lonely in a crowd is not just about being alone, but also about creating it. This can sometimes be ambiguous in language to draw attention.
This is not an imbalance but a human tendency to seek reasons to be noticed. Though the choice is said to be a principled one, the cause is not being noticed, not because being alone is better for them or better to pursue. It means there is an inability to accept, not an inability to adapt, so the narrative becomes a mistake of others who are not in alignment.
If one is capable, there will be no "lonely in a crowd" for them; they are ready, capable, and able to carry it out. The external assessment as a narrative of their choice ultimately forms the phrase "not caring," not out of disinterest but because this is the choice.