[20M] My [18F] Girlfriend's Parents Disapprove of Our Relationship, and It's Straining Our Connection

I’m 20, and my girlfriend is 18. Both of us are blind, and we’ve been dating since August 2024. Our relationship has been incredible—I honestly couldn’t ask for a better partner. The connection I have with her is unlike anything I’ve ever known. She truly is my soulmate, and I struggle to express the depth of the feelings she brings out in me. From the start, however, her parents have never accepted us. Perhaps we should have anticipated it, but we hoped our love would prevail. I believed that if they got to know me better, they would appreciate how deeply I care for their daughter and recognize my commitment to her happiness. Initially, they cited concerns about our relationship being “inappropriate” and doubted that long-distance would work out. After several months of discussions, they finally agreed to let me visit her in January. I was diligent in involving them throughout the planning process, consistently checking to ensure they were comfortable with everything, and they assured me repeatedly that it was all right. I even tailored my travel arrangements to match their preferences. The visit itself was unforgettable—truly the best experience of our lives. We realized during that time that our love was genuine, and we weren’t going to let go. Her parents were pleasant towards me while I was there, pretending everything was just fine and never indicating any issues with our relationship. However, as soon as I left, everything changed. They told her how much they disapproved of me and vowed to do everything in their power to end our relationship. The insults began to fly. They called me the worst blind person they had ever encountered, labeled me as an jerk, and accused me of being manipulative and ruining her college experience. They claimed she didn’t truly understand love and described me as obsessive. To make matters worse, they later told her that I had coerced them into allowing my visit—despite the fact that I had made every effort to ensure their comfort, and I had their explicit permission before finalizing any plans. They had even agreed multiple times, and I have messages to support that. Yet, they twisted the situation to portray me as someone who forced my way into her life. What’s even more distressing is that her parents seize any chance to spread those negative sentiments to friends, family, and acquaintances—painting me as an insufferable person. However, when they spoke to me directly, they maintained a facade of cordiality. I just don’t understand why they would act this way, and neither does she. This entire ordeal is taking an emotional toll on both of us. It’s draining and painful. The reality of being torn apart by those who should want her happiness is almost indescribable. She feels trapped each day, caught between me—the person she loves dearly—and her parents, who wield significant influence over her life. I feel helpless, as if no matter how strong my love is or how much I try to prove myself, it will never be enough for them. We both cry about it; we both lose sleep over it. The weight of their harsh words rests heavily upon us every single day. The stress and the emotional burden can feel overwhelming at times. Yet, despite all this, we refuse to let go. We won’t give up on each other. Because we envision a future together. Unfortunately, her parents don’t share that vision. They have made it abundantly clear that they not only disapprove of me, but also of our relationship as a whole. They want her to be with someone who is sighted, believing that I can’t provide her with the life she deserves. They even went so far as to say that if we were successful and started a family, it would still be a tragedy if our children were blind. That comment broke both our hearts. How can you respond to something like that? How do you cope with the fact that the very people who should champion her see blindness as something to avoid—something that would diminish the joy of a family? We exist in a world where blindness doesn’t define love or success. They should know this, especially as parents of a blind daughter. Yet, they’re trapped in their outdated beliefs and refuse to see the reality we understand. I wish I could find a solution. I wish she could assert herself more, but honestly, what options remain? Our love for each other is undeniable. If it were a broader societal issue, one that we couldn’t change, I could understand. But it’s mainly her parents who have the most sway over her choices. She has the opportunity to move out soon, which gives us hope. Yet, I worry that before that can happen, they’ll sway her opinion or break her spirit so thoroughly that she won’t feel able to resist. I’m at a loss for what to do. How can we stay resilient in the face of all this? How do we cling to each other when it feels like the entire world is against us? I can’t bear the thought of losing her. I won’t lose her. Any advice would mean the world to us right now.