Its one of those things that can't necessarily have words put to it. Think of it like this:

The people we are, and become, is hugely influenced by those we surround ourselves with. Our relationships with each other are dialectical. I, as a trans woman, have found it enormously affirming/helpful/wonderful/etc. to have cis women as friends. Because its not "just" about things like clothes and makeup, in fact I am basically the most femme of my female friends so those things sort of fall on me funnily enough. There are sooo many other aspects to it. From emotional support, to finding out how similar many of your experiences are, and bonding. The number of times I have been told and experienced "we girls look out for eachother" makes me emotional just thinking about it.

What can a cis woman help you learn? Idk. Depends on who she is. But I would highly recommend befriending a cis woman. Because you like spending time with her (just like everyone else you befriend) and both of you will become better versions of yourself, and in the case of being a trans woman, you'll learn how to be a woman through basically osmosis.

I know its easier said than done. But finding female friends through people you already know is key. And it is scary. But everyone on this sub belongs to a group of some of the most courageous people I know. So you can do it. You will have to be uncomfortable. But take time to be gentle with yourself, and things will get better.

<3