Lonely Rihanna

Jul 21, 2007, 7:00 GMT

06/24/2007 - Rihanna - Chicago\'s B96 Summer Bash - Toyata Park - Bridgeview, IL, United States © Adam Bielawski / PR Photos

Rihanna is desperate to party with people her own age.

The 19-year-old singer is so busy working that she is always surrounded by much older people.

She told Bliss magazine: "I do miss being around people my own age. That's why it's so great when I get to see my best friend. She is at university studying law and economics, but when she has a break I fly her over to see me and we have an amazing time. We goof around, and she keeps me sane."

Despite yearning to socialise with people her own age, the 'Umbrella' beauty has become used to grown-up company.

She added: "It's not difficult for me to be around people older than me. I'm used to it now - it's how my mom brought me up. She let me be a child, but always treated me like an adult, too."

Although she is a huge star now, Rihanna admits she initially wasn't taken seriously because she was only 17.

She said: "When I first came onto the scene in 2005, it was definitely harder to be taken seriously because of my age. People saw this girl with the baggy jeans and sneakers, singing a fun record. It's taken a long time for them to see me as more than that.

(C) BANG Media International