I was a painfully shy child, and used to suffer dreadfully at the thought of any sort of social occasion.
As I grew older I was fine in a work environment, it was just social stuff, I wouldn't go to parties, or for nights out with friends from work. I didn't even like going out for pub lunches with colleagues. I refused so often that eventually they stopped asking!
This went on into my early twenties, when I gave myself a damn good talking to, and forced myself to join in, and 'put myself out there'!
It was the most difficult thing I've ever done, one of my problems was that I'd vomit with nerves at the thought of going out, so I started taking a travel toothbrush and paste with me, tucked away in the depths of my handbag. So, if I felt sick, I'd make my excuses, go and do the deed, clean my teeth, suck a peppermint, and return to the event!
I'm still not a great party person, I prefer an evening with close friends, chatting and relaxing!
However, social occasions don't faze me any longer, if people don't like me, I don't care, and if I don't like them, well, I chat to someone else! If I'm forced to sit by someone I really don't like, I tolerate it, telling myself that I never, ever have to speak to them again!
It narrows one's life to be afraid of socialising, so pull up your big girl knickers, hold your head high, and for the first couple of times, bluff your way through it, you'll soon find it becomes a lot easier!
You CAN do it, just stop worrying about what anyone thinks, you're you, and what they think is their business, and their problem, not yours!
Good Luck!