Thanks for the clarification, markbpcmac.
It was mentioned previously that you might want to ensure that you don't have any potential issues with browser extensions. You didn't mention checking that, so below, we'll detail how to check, and if that doesn't work, maybe even try a second user account, which might give you differing behavior.
The following info from Get extensions to customize Safari on Mac will help you check to see if any installed extensions are the cause of this:
"Manage your extensions
- In the Safari app
on your Mac, choose Safari > Preferences, then click Extensions. - Do any of the following:
- Turn an extension on or off: Select or deselect the extension’s checkbox.
- Note: You get a warning if you turn on an extension that slows down browsing.
- Change an extension’s settings: Select the extension, then select or deselect settings.
- Remove an extension: Select the extension, then click Uninstall. Or, delete the app that contains the extension."
If everything is fine there and you only have one account, here's how you can create a test one:
"Add a user
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu
> System Preferences, then click Users & Groups 
. - If the lock at the bottom left is locked
, click it to unlock the preference pane. - Click the Add button
below the list of users. - Click the New Account pop-up menu, then choose a type of user.
- Administrator: An administrator can add and manage other users, install apps, and change settings. The new user you create when you first set up your Mac is an administrator. Your Mac can have multiple administrators. You can create new ones, and convert standard users to administrators. Don’t set up automatic login for an administrator. If you do, someone could simply restart your Mac and gain access with administrator privileges. To keep your Mac secure, don’t share administrator names and passwords.
- Standard: Standard users are set up by an administrator. Standard users can install apps and change their own settings, but can’t add other users or change other users’ settings.
- Sharing Only: Sharing-only users can access shared files remotely, but can’t log in to or change settings on the computer. To give the user permission to access your shared files or screen, you may need to change settings in the File Sharing, Screen Sharing, or Remote Management pane of Sharing preferences. See Set up file sharing and Share the screen of another Mac.
- For more information about the options for each type of user, click the Help button in the lower-left corner of the dialog.
- Enter a full name for the new user. An account name is generated automatically. To use a different account name, enter it now—you can’t change it later.
- Enter a password for the user, then enter it again to verify. Enter a password hint to help the user remember their password.
- Click Create User.
- Depending on the type of user you create, you can also do any of the following:
- For an administrator, select “Allow user to administer this computer.”
- For an administrator, select “Allow user to reset a password using Apple ID.”
- Use Sharing preferences to specify whether the user can share your files and share your screen.
For information about Apple’s privacy policy, see the Apple Privacy Policy website.
If your Mac or Magic Keyboard has Touch ID, a new user can add a fingerprint after logging in to the Mac."
The previous info came from Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac.
Give these a try, and if nothing is helpful, it might be time to Get Support directly from Apple.
Take care.
