"Feeling dirty" is probably something more about having trained your mind to be a certain way, and it could be retrained.

For someone with kids and pets and such, a bath might be a more reliable source of comfort and isolation.

I mean, unless you work in a coal mine or in the sewers, you probably aren't covered in a thick layer of grime when you get in the tub. Most people are going to have a very thin layer of dried sweat and body oil, which will be a tiny, tiny percentage of the water in the tub.

You’re getting so much pushback but I agree with you! No tub cushions, and I don’t like the feeling of dripping so baths and showers for me are pretty utilitarian. I do it because I have to. I’ll relax on the couch.