I'm going to push my son into social situations
Do you think that it will help your son? Is that why you're doing it?
Because I think it'd help him grow as a person
It'll be rough for your son, but ultimately I think you're doing the right thing.  Parents should sometimes push their kids to do stuff they don't want to do, if it'll make the kid stronger.
Being independent is important, but it's also nice to have a mommy.
Yes, it is important to have strong parent figures who can nurture and also help you. As long as you don't push your son too hard, then this could work out.