Every time I read about microwave cooking, I think back to this article where the author tried recipes from what has been labeled as the world’s saddest cookbook: Microwave Cooking for One.

As others have already said, exposure can be a good way to overcome fear. Start by going somewhere nearby. Maybe ask a friend or someone you feel safe with to accompany you on walks or public transportation a few times until you are familiar with the route or area. Download an offline map in case you get lost.

You said you feel out of place at your local library , but they’re a quiet, safe place where everyone generally minds their own business. You can probably even bring take your own ebooks there to read. You don’t have to interact with anyone if you don’t want to, just get used to being in a different setting.

Canada has been boycotting American products and imposing counter-tariffs on them. Their prime minister also announced a plan to reduce reliance on the US by requiring its federal government to buy from local suppliers, creating a fund to help sectors most affected by US tariffs, investing in Canadian agriculture, and training its local workforce, among other things.

Here’s a link to that goes into detail about the measures being taken.