Here at Stylist, we’ve always believed that being single can be as wonderful and life-affirming as being in a relationship – why shouldn’t it be?

But we’d be lying if we didn’t admit that the idea of being single when we are older sometimes feels a little worrying. Of course, there’s no reason for this other than a socially-conditioned idea that a relationship is the key to a ‘happy ending’.

In many ways, being single can be more liberating, uninhibited and enjoyable than any relationship.

Linda Rodin, founder of New York beauty line Rodin Olio Lusso, thinks just that. At 68, the beauty mogul and style icon is single and thrilled about it.

Speaking in a video created by The Cut, Rodin explains why a relationship has never been high on her agenda, saying:

“To be defined by the relationship you’re in has never been anything I think I’ve thought about.”

While we think of being young and single as going hand-in-hand, and settling down being something to reserve for our later years, Rodin feels quite the opposite:

“I think when you’re young dating is important and it’s a peer pressure thing….but I never thought further to think ‘How would I feel if I’m 65 years old and I don’t have a boyfriend or I’m not with somebody?’ It never occurred to me.”

Rodin says that while she’s “had some wonderful, fascinating men in [her] life,” she’s “never felt defined by a relationship,” and that her main focus in life has always been her career.

“I think if a man intersects into all that then great, but that’s not a career-defined one. I never had that in my head.”

Watch the video here.

Images: Rex Features, Getty