You sound really, really good. And I'm glad you notice a difference in him as well--in my H the difference seemed to be from the depression slowly lifting away, leaving him more peaceful, relaxed, energetic and able to connect with others.
The old "if that makes you happy then I'm happy" is really a passive-aggressive comment, isn't it? As such, it says more about their desire to control, to have you behave in the manner they advised or would have taken themselves, than about genuine happiness or respect for your decision. I guess you just have to accept that they haven't lived your journey and then act "as if" until they can see that this *new* relationship really is working for both of you. Perhaps all you really need to say is something along the lines of "I appreciate your support"??
