why do some poker games have ridiculously passive play from everyone

been at a few home games lately and it's wild how everyone just limps and checks nonstop, even preflop when they've got something good. feels like people are scared to push the action or maybe they just don't want to look aggressive and lose more money, i don't know. i thought poker was supposed to be more about pressure and reading people, but some tables turn into a waiting game where no one wants to be first.

it actually throws off my whole strategy because there's no raising to build a pot or squeeze out the weak hands, so the showdowns are just big multiway messes. is this just a home game thing or are passive tables super common even in casinos or online?