It seems that the consensus from all the comments is that you do in fact need a firewall. So my question is how does that look exactly? A hardware firewall device directly between modem and router? I using the software firewall on the router enough? Or, additionally having software firewall installed on all capable devices on the network? A combination of the above?
The easiest way to make friends (and this is no easy task if you’re an adult) is to revolve it around hobbies. Find people who share the same interests and conversation is easier if there is something to talk about. This can be online or in person. For example, there are weekly DnD games that happen at local game stores, or book reading clubs, or take a woodworking class at a local college, or find a forum that is all about one niche subject you’re into. If you don’t have hobbies then you have to find something to try, and just try everything you can to see what you are into.
As a once socially inept kid who was bullied mercilessly, social skills are something that takes practice. For me, changing schools, taking up a sport, and getting a job where I had to socialize with people is where I learned to socialize. There were a lot of very awkward conversations, but eventually you figure out what works and what doesn’t.
On my phone when I first saw the picture of the interior, the push-pull lever for gas tank flap and trunk looks like an angry face. Just thought you should know.