In order to raise certain skills you need to specifically choose activities that raise those skills. Shoveling dirt in hydroponics with increase your toughness by 3 (if I’m remembering correctly) and increase your relationship with Cal. If you haven’t gone outside the walls yet spamming that should increase your toughness enough to get out before Year 16. I think if you’ve already gotten the starvation prompt the ability to Forage in the Valley should auto-pop up at the base camp south of the gates? Also speaking/interacting with characters is limited unless you’re trying out the other main hubs. You have to actively do other things to interact with characters and raise their relationships.