This is an interesting topic for me, because a few years ago while dealing with my SA, I had the same type of thinking. I was going to avoid any and all contact with the opposite sex until i could learn to be "myself" to others. During that time, I had a few opportunities to date and be in relationships, so I took those chances. It ultimately lead to the end of the relationship, because I DIDN'T KNOW I HAD A SOCIAL ANXIETY!. I knew something was wrong with me, and I knew there was something holding me back from being able to communicate comfortable and maintain friendships/relationships.
After I realized what I was dealing with, I then could start to manage it, and slowly build up those close friendships and relationships. I don't think SA will ever be gone completely, but we can learn to deal with and improve ourselves.
So that's where i'm at in this point of my life. I manage to deal with certain things and anxieties that I have, so that I can move forward and date and have girlfriends like I desire to. Once you love yourself, or as someone above said "be best friends with yourself", then we can become more comfortable with others, and even start dating.
I know everyone is different, but that's just my personal experience. I'm single now, but I wouldn't hesitate to start dating if I met the right girl. Knowing I deal with SA allows me to be more honest to others about it, and get it out in the open before I ruin things by trying to hide it.