Rihanna and Karim Benzema are taking their relationship slowly, but have an amazing connection and a huge amount of respect for each other. The 27-year-old singer, who started dating the Real Madrid soccer player in June after first connecting with him via Twitter last year, reportedly thinks they have an amazing connection, but doesn't want to rush their romance. A source close to Rihanna told E! News that she appreciates how Benzema, 27, understands her busy schedule and has no problem giving her the space she needs to focus on her music. Rihanna also respects the French athlete's passion for hard work and dedication to his own career. The pair stay in constant contact when they're apart through text messages and phone calls, according to the insider, and they have also won the seal of approval from their respective friends. It was previously revealed Rihanna feels like Benzema is her ''best friend'' after previously dating Chris Brown, Drake, and Leonardo DiCaprio. A friend recently said: ''It's taken a long time for the relationship to get off the ground but she says that's what makes it so special. ''He's the first guy she's actually gotten to know before diving in head first. She's been telling people she's never experienced anything like this in her life and that she trusts him like her best friend.''..