I have found that it helps me a lot actually when I am around those I am comfortable with. However if I am "ambushed" as in someone stops over with little notice or my boyfriend insists we go somewhere before I am fully comfortable socializing, it has the opposite effect and I actually have had anxiety attacks about people seeing me in that state and me being self conscious about how I am asking. While I do not want to encourage you to do something bad or illegal, you could try in the comfort of someone close to you (close friend or your sister) and see how you feel.