I'm also not sure it would be realistic to expect a cure.

My own experience was improvement, I can cope better than before. Tbh big group events still intimidate me, the last one I attended was before Christmas and I stuck pretty much to the edge of the room. I plotted an early escape and got a lift with a woman who also confessed it was not her thing. I do much better in smaller groups or one to one. I accept this is me and I don't beat myself up over it.

Like OpenEyes describes I do much better around structured activities (and I'm a woman). Maybe a bike ride group might be suitable? Many of my friends are through running group.

But I agree - don't push too hard and definitely don't give in to pressure from others expectations.