After 30+ years in the south of England I find the folks here to be really friendly and helpful. It has taken us 3 years of living here full time to get to know enough locals to feel accepted. Wear a smile and don't rush about and it all comes together. I don't think I will ever get beyond a few dozen words of Catalan but the Castillian is coming along steadily. I have only met one guy who refused to speak Spanish to me.
Absolutely love it here and everyone I know in the UK is jealous. Long may it continue.  :D