Strange changes in my curser behavior

[Fremontjack]

I know there must be some simple adjustments in Preferences, but where? MacBook Air with MacOS Big Sur 11.6.1 #1. if curser hovers for a few seconds it sometimes "opens" what I am considering (I used to have to click to open, which I much prefer). #2. When I double click on trash and click "Empty Trash", pop-up dialog box ask "Do you want to empty trash" It makes me wonder if I have the dumbest computer in the Universe. Or is it just messing with me? Thanks for any help, New to this site and looking forward to contributing. Jack

 

[lunarlander]

Regarding the Trash's behavior. Windows trash behaves the same way. It helps reduces errors where some people clicked by mistake. It happens.