I just bought a used 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. I absolutely love it!

The only problem I have is with the shifter.

I apologize in advance, but I am not very car-literate, so I am hoping someone can understand what I am trying to explain.

The shifter is very hard to move. Especially from side-to-side. It almost feels like it is hydraulic. Like it goes in slow motion. When I take it out of gear, it doesn't pop back into neutral in the center. All other cars I have driven would pop back into the center when I take it out of gear. No quick shifting in this one.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Debbie