I too live in a village. I hope its going to help but would report how graciously folks cross the street to avoid each other 'in case' and greet, from a distance, as freinds though might never have before.
A bike was coming towards me on a narrow road. Then a car came behind him and I thought it would overtake and the bike would be right next to me. No, the car slowed to bike speed, let him pass me on the other side, then did the same.