Too expensive to use. (Dont get mad)

This coin is so frustrating. Why are gas prices so bogus??? I've been using Metamask as a method to burry and pull back out my staked SHIBA, It is so far completely useless, and on top of that my small orders are getting cut in half by fees. I love ETH with all my heart but it really seams unusable right now. WHERE IS THE MERGE?