27M,27F Told my parents about our relationship

So me (26M) and my girlfriend have been together since high school. Yep… 12 years. At this point, she’s not just my partner—she’s my best friend, family, emotional support system… basically everything. And yeah, she probably loves me more (I admit that i am trying to do better).

Now comes the classic Indian plot twist: different caste.

Both our families know each other well. Our dads even worked in the same office. So this isn’t some secret love story. Everyone knows she’s a genuinely good person. Even my mom agrees she’ll take great care of me and the family.

But… society.

A few months back, I told my elder brother, who told my dad. Dad didn’t react much—just gave the usual “think about it again” line and moved on like it’s a pending file.

Then one day my mom called me and asked directly. I didn’t deny it.

Since then… it’s been emotional atyachar season.

She keeps worrying about:

“Log kya kahenge”

Relatives gossiping

Future kids facing taunts (??)

I mean… what even 😅

She calls me every other day, sometimes crying, sometimes trying to convince me to “maintain distance.” The only positive thing is she genuinely likes my girlfriend as a person. Her only issue is society.

I’ve been trying to handle things calmly. No arguments, no aggression. We’ve decided to give parents time and space. But honestly, the emotional pressure is real. It’s like being stuck between love and guilt.

On one side:

A 12-year relationship with someone who’s been there through everything.

On the other side:

Parents who are worried more about society than my actual happiness.

I get their concern. I really do. But at the same time, it feels unfair that something so strong and genuine is being judged on caste.

So yeah… just wanted to ask people here:

How did you deal with family/society pressure in an intercaste relationship?

Did things get better with time or did you have to take a hard stand?

Also… if anyone has successfully survived “log kya kahenge”, please drop your survival guide 😂

Would really appreciate honest advice.

PS-sorry for late upadte as was busy with work for the past few months. Polished by chatGPT because why not.