When I open a document in Word, I have had the view I want for years, something changed, and I don't know what happened or how to change it. Now, when I open a document, the comments show on the right-hand side of the doc. I want only the balloons to show as the default open view. Any suggestions?

Are you using 2007? I'm asking because recently there has been a change in comments in recent versions (2016 and later).

I think I'm using the most current version; I have OFFICE 365

Then you need to update your profile details on this forum. Go to User CP and click on Your Profile, or Edit Details, and update the version of Windows and Word that you are using. Note that there is no option for Office 365 so you’ll need to choose Office 2021.

As Charles correctly pointed out what you are seeing is how Word now displays comments.

You can try turning off Modern Comments.

Note that Microsoft intends to remove this option. Use the Feedback mechanisms in Word to let them know what you think about that!