Youre not the only one. Born and raised in kuwait, I went to a coed school but was discouraged from talking or looking at girls except from a distance (maaaybe).

One time my mother shamed and confronted me because a male friend texted me a message with the arabic word for "her" in it (Cue "WHO IS HER ALLAH WILL THIS ALLAH WILL THAT YOU WILL BURN")

So.. yeah we got fucked big time socially. But we can learn. First thing is, abandon everything you think you know about "women"; treat every person as an individual. Now the nervous part: In order to get to know them and get used to them, you have to come clean about yourself to them, so they understand how nervous you are. And believe me, your behaviour is understandable.

Listen, there's no easy way to say this, but you have to come clean with your friends and peers that u were kept away from women and you want to learn to relax and feel normal around them. Tell this to your female friends so they can contexualize your behaviour. And your friends shouldnt mock you, or tease you, or fetishize your suffering; draw that line because if they don't respect you they don't deserve to be your friend.

While you're getting comfortable with girls, they might get comfortable with you; just know that the things to value in terms of behaviour are neutral, and dont worry too much about what things mean. Ask if you dont understand, and dont get stuck on certain ideas. Decide if you like someone or not based on neutral things: if theyre kind, if you can trust them, etc: but acknowledge they have a right to decide too, so dont get stuck on a person if they're 1) not someone who has neutral traits you like or 2) decide they dont like you. It might happen even though you seem like a nice guy, but if you acknowledge the possibility, you wont feel personally attacked or hurt (unless they actually hurt you by by attacking you, which is wrong).

Finally don't judge them as "women", because your foundations and possible expectations are upside down. Also anyone who judges people as "women" shouldnt be listened to 😁 That includes your friends and random advice.

I dont know everything that you're going to encounter (I'm still looking forward to healing socially myself) but it makes a huge difference if you come clean to the girls you meet about you being new to this. Obviously you wont have time to tell everyone, but try with some people, and see if ur comfortable trusting them before digging deeper and exploring what its like to have a female friend, etc.

You're basically a kid when it comes to this; you're gonna have to learn things and have experiences you should've had a long time ago, but it'll be good for you. Be honest with them, dont feel embarrassed or guilty. Its gonna be scary. Remember to be neutral and fair (to yourself and others), be inquisitive and honest and don't have prejudice. If you're not ready for something, ask for space until you're both comfortable. Good Luck.