It is of course your choice, but maybe if you go with the plan to make an appearance, at least speak to her and then leave if you are too uncomfortable, you won't feel 'trapped' and anxious. Leave yourself an out.

If you have a cell phone, set an alarm for ten minutes after you arrive and set it to sound like a ring tone. When it goes off, if you need rescued, just look worried and say, 'I'm sorry. I have to go.'

And go.

You can go for 30 minutes and say you have another comitment and excuse yourself

But you don't have to go if you don't want to

Do you have a 'time' to be there ?
If it's just a 'bash', go an hour into it.
People will be sufficiently 'oiled' by that time.
make a fuss of the host, take a drink, do a 'tour of the room', then make your excuses and leave.

What better way to overcome it than to go and not put pressure on yourself. Just go and see what happens. Introduce yourself to someone who looks approachable and you'll be surprised. Go have fun.

Arrive late and have an exit plan

IS your friend trustworthy? - ask yourself. If yes, you'd totally go. You can expect things to go fine if am important one is behind the scenes, right?

Have fun there! ^_^

I wouldn't, for the same reasons. But you could go, give gift and leave soon after

It's probably going to be fine. I'd go.

if u dnt go afta tickin Y, you mite lose ur frend