I don’t need the serotonin and dopamine inside my gut, I need it in my brain. …Will shoving an orange up my nose work?

Is it true he’s more likable than a ‘nice guy’?

A nice guy or a ‘nice guy’? Bc the guy you described definitely is more likeable than one of them.

Does anyone have any thoughts that may somewhat help me feel less dread?

A lot of people feel the exact same way, but are just too burned out at this point to say anything. The AI sycophants just scream the loudest atm, doesn’t mean that they’re holding the popular position.
So you definitely aren’t alone and will always have plenty of options to hang out with people who aren’t brainwashed by that stupid thing.

All I know about it is that it’s the distro Linus Tech Tips keeps choosing, despite having problems with it every time.

I feel the same way. Names are weird and icky.

Maybe it’s an age thing? Like when you’re dating as a teenager you know that your brain will still develop and you might grow incompatible with your partner, so it’s hard to invest in the relationship if you’re unsure on whether it might last?
No idea though, people say I’m a bit too utilitarian when it comes to dating.