Wow, very well put.
OP: I’d like to recommend a book - “Your Erroneous Zones” by Wayne Dyer. Available on Amazon and used bookstores for a couple bucks. He essentially outlines how to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to alter our own mis-thinking, and to develop more effective communication.
Are you sure they’re cotton? Synthetics tend to be more stiff than natural fibers like cotton.
I haven’t had stiff cotton anything since about 1978. Companies have been pre-washing cotton since at least the mid-70’s to make it softer.
Try washing and tumble dry on low, without completely drying them.