Hi RandoUsername, here are a couple of things to check:

(1) Google has an option to open each result in a new window, which Firefox will normally divert to a new tab instead. Make sure that is turned off if you want everything to stay in the same tab. It's on this page:

https://www.google.com/preferences

In the section called "Where results open"

(2) By default, when you click a result link, Google routes it through a tracking script. This happens very fast, so it's hardly noticeable. However, if you have any add-ons related to tracking or redirecting, they could be modifying how it works.

You can view, disable, and often remove unwanted or unknown extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

• Ctrl+Shift+a (Mac: Command+Shift+a)
• "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
• type or paste about:addons in the address bar and press Enter/Return

In the left column of the Add-ons page, click Extensions.

Then cast a critical eye over the list on the right side. Any extensions Firefox installs for built-in features are hidden from this page, so everything listed here is your choice (and your responsibility) to manage. Anything suspicious or that you just do not remember installing or why? If in doubt, disable (or remove).

Any improvement?

That did it! and wow do I feel foolish. When I first set up FireFox, I followed some online guidance for privacy, and forgot all about the extensions it had me add. One of which is GoogleContainer, which is supposed to prevent google tracking. Thank you so much for your help!

No worries. There must be a way to make Google search work in a container, but perhaps the extension needs an update?

It says it was last updated two months ago, so I'm not sure if that's the case. But I'm fine with just removing the addon and regaining my ability to go back to the search results. It was getting really annoying having to retype my search query if I forgot to open in a new tab. Thanks again!