To paraphrase Aristotle, man is by nature a social animal, and for a lot of people, a large portion of their happiness depends on the quality of their interpersonal relationships. Other than the relationship between parents and child(ren), most individuals long for a more intimate companionship, namely a life partner. This rapidly changing, digital world is making it more difficult, and especially so for those who hold beliefs radically different from the public-at-large.

Of course, I’m referring to anarchists.

I tend to leave my personal life outside the purview of Liberty Under Attack, but I think my experiences may add some valued context to the conversation.

I have been in just two relationships in the past half-decade; one spanning a couple of years and the other just a few months. Both of those ended quite tragically and made things difficult for some time. I would never acknowledge it, but my hope for love and companionship was significantly damaged; so much so, that I have yet to re-enter the dating world, minus some pointless surfing on various smartphone applications. To even further complicate things, both of those relationships occurred years before I entered the alternative media and also before I found anarchism.

Although, I think my struggles are not uncommon when it comes to others within the anarchist community.

It’s already hard enough to find that “one person you’re meant to be with,” but let’s face it; once you get to that point in the relationship where your true feelings towards government come up in conversation, the odds will surely shift, and (from my limited experience) probably not in your favor. In my opinion, that is not something that can be overlooked, especially for those who consistently live their principles, as I try my hardest to do.

To be honest, I’m quite comfortable with my life; I only have to take care of myself, and I have the ultimate freedom to do whatever the hell that I want to (that is, as long as I’m upholding the twin axioms of non-aggression and self-ownership). Although, as I’m nearing the halfway mark in my 20s, I can’t help but at least be a little concerned.

I suppose I am better off than some of my colleagues; I am still in college, where I’m exposed to a relatively large dating pool. That said, I’m honestly not sure if I could stand to be around most of the women I’ve met for more than a class period, let alone my whole life. Describing it as an “uphill battle” is an understatement.

All I know at this point, is that attempting to find a woman who already identifies as an anarchist will more than likely lead me to a life of loneliness; I think I could handle that, but maybe that’s not what I should be shooting for?

For other anarchists: what have been your experiences? Are you facing the same struggles I am, or have you gotten lucky enough to find that person? Any advice?

Summarily, I still have hope in finding love, companionship, and that feeling someone else gives you that no one else could possibly instill.

This article was originally published on the Liberty Under Attack website on November 30th, 2015, and has been re-written for publication here.

Shane is the founder of Liberty Under Attack and host of LUA Radio, a live show that airs every Thursday and Sunday at 7pm CST on the Freedom Phalanx Radio Network. He is a free market anarchist committed to providing solutions to his listeners and readers, so that they can create the freedom they desire in their own lives, RIGHT NOW, despite the State.