Padma Opens Up About Her Dating Life

"As you get older, I think it's harder to meet the right person," the 'Top Chef' host says.

Oct 29, 2014, 3:33 PM ET

She's gorgeous, successful and has an adorable daughter—but when it comes to her dating life, Padma Lakshmi says that's a low priority.

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"I date a lot less as a single mom—I'll tell you that!" Padma tells People. "I just don't have time."

Recently, the Top Chef judge was linked to actor Richard Gere, but now that she's single, she's making her daughter a priority.

"As you get older, I think it's harder to meet the right person," she says. "You just want to be careful because you have family."

For now, Padma is content raisin her 4-year-old Krishna—and getting her prepped for Halloween. When asked whether she let's her girl hold on her to trick-or-treat booty, she says, "I let her keep it. It's once a year, so let her gorge herself [on candy], and then she'll feel like, 'Okay, I've had enough.' Usually when I do that, it's better than saying, 'No you can't have it.'"

As for the rights of other people to settle down and get married, Padma is all for it. This month, she's signed on to help the Human Rights Campaign fight for LGBT unions. Inspired by a gay family member, Padma says she "can't imagine a fair and just world where my cousin didn't have the same right to love who he wanted, get married, start a family, and enjoy all of the benefits that I do."

[Source: People]