as a gay male I can at least partially help break the illusion:

1. it's warm
2. gravity isn't being as much of a bitch on your joints as it usually is (if you're over 30 OR breasting so boobily that you have back pain)

thanks i'm here all week

It's relaxing, but I wouldn't spend hours reading or something, it's just uncomfortable and you look like a raisin afterwards.

It's the only warm place in the house.

It's a lovely way to unwind after a long day. Soaking in water takes weight off your joints and bones, the heat feels nice, and I'll usually put a show on my phone to unwind with an episode before I wash up.

My partner likes to spend a half hour or so reading or watching a show. She uses these trays to hold her book, some bath soap, and some cola light.

I used to take a 30 min bath to ease my dermatitis.

Why even bathing instead of showering? It feels like swimming in your own dirt, while it's so hot you sweat, but can't really sweat, because it's wet too and because it's wet you can't really read a book or do something else.

It's because the water is hot and comfortable and helps with pain, but it's boring as heck to sit there long enough to enjoy the pain relief. So you bring a book or a tablet and a snack. Or if you're extra bad at relaxing, a tablet for show, a phone for game, a sweet treat, a salty treat and a nice cool water to help with the heat