Using "Messages" (texting) on my MacBook Pro (Ventura 13.5) and Messages 14.0.

On launch, Messages beachballs forever and once open, same thing at responding to any command like "send" or open attachment, etc. Extremely slow to the point of my giving up even with simple tasks. Are there compatibility issues between my version of Ventura and the version of Messages that I'm running? I don't see any indication that there's a newer Messages version. Please help if you can. I really need this to work! Many thanks in advance!