I hate massages while they’re happening. They hurt like hell. But then afterward, my back is golden for weeks, so it’s worth it. I just have to endure!
In my experience, it takes months or even years of being in the same orbit of some people to actually become friends with them. It usually starts with meeting for coffee after an event, or some other time that works for both of you. I’m in the PNW (Pacific Northwest), so coffee is our go to. Just keep showing up, make sure you strike up conversations with people, and when it feels right ask them to swap contact info with you.
Against the Storm. I can pick it up whenever I have a free minute, and pause it or save and quit when I need to be doing something else. It’s just enough of a challenge to be immersive when I’m playing, but the stakes are low enough that it’s not stressful. And the music/ambient noise is lovely.
Carnivale, Boardwalk Empire, the last season or two of Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Marvelous Mrs Maisel. All of those came up on search (amongst many more), and I enjoyed them. Mrs Maisel is one of my favorite shows ever.
Just find a local Democrat group, irl in your area. They likely won’t be as progressive as you want, but you can have a voice in the candidates and initiatives they endorse. They also won’t be tankies.