Small towns move slow, and that slowness leaves room to actually notice people.

Pace decides how much of each other people get. Where everything is near and nothing is urgent, you end up in unplanned conversations, and across years those add up to knowing people rather than knowing about them. Speed is not free; it is paid for in exactly that sort of noticing. Whatever your own place is like, the trade works the same way.

Take the slow option once this week. Walk instead of getting a ride, use the line at the counter, stay five minutes after practice. The aim is to be unhurried enough that somebody can start talking to you.