Apple "Contacts" app keeps freezing

I cannot remember when this started, but it was definitely before Ventura, but the Contacts app is possibly the worst app in the macOS ecosystem. It freezes literally within minutes every single time I open it and if I do manage to make a change, it will freeze during that action and all those changes are lost.

I know there are many third-party alternatives out there, but WHY is this arguably one of Apple's worst apps ever? I've seen this question from a member regarding Ventura and a response from a seemingly helpful community member, that has basically copy/pasted Apple's own help docs… which frankly, is not help at all.

Surely I'm not the only one with this poor experience? 🫤