Really appreciate the advice and I know you're right. I'm not sure how I'll handle things going forward if I'm honest. The temptation to just stick to my comfort zone is very strong but I will keep persevering.
It's very hard to push yourself to do something that every fibre of your brain is screaming at you not to do mate, but that's exactly what you have to do to overcome it.
I used to force myself to out to my local with my best mate every Saturday night for a few pints and watch match of the day.
Eventually it became such a ritual, that I stopped thinking about it and the anxiety completely went.
Saturday night with my mate became part of my comfort zone.
However things like Weddings continued to blow my mind for a long long time.
I'm fine with things like that now, but I still suffer badly when my inlaws come to stay, as they wind me us so much, I just don't want them in the house.
It's one step at a time mate.