Should I stay or should I go ?

Im 21 y/o , I dont have any friends except my boyfriend of over 8 years. (Not a social person, I ociate with him & his friends & that suits me just fine) I love him to death & nothing makes me happier than to be with him. But my family doesnt like him, they think I can do better. He's not the most attractive man in the world, he's broke and Haitian (something my parents cant stand). B/c of this I've never truly been happy and I've always been looking for someone who fits better with my family, but someone exactly like him, b/c I think he is absolutely perfect. This has led me to cheat & break up w/ him several times in the past, only b/c I was desperate for someone parent worthy. He's an angel & treats me like a queen. People say never settle. Why ? Im so happy, except for my families disapproval. Although this effects me deeply. If I settle and forget about my family can I ever truly be happy ? I could let him go & never find someone as good, how can that possibly be worth it ?