Mmm, yes, this too is a factor. I remember it from vet school, where the quote about processing the information firehose is "you may have to ask your spouse to wear a name tag". Since this wasn't expected to be vet school, I had forgotten to imagine that there would still be some effect.

Sigh. Maybe I just need a bit of a rest. The last time I was healthy (except for two chronic pain conditions), had friends, and had any confidence whatsoever that I was a somewhat worthwhile inhabitant of planet Earth was 2008. I'd like to be that person again, please.