“People criticize me for dating Travis Kelce. All my friends say this can’t work out, but I will stand firm and let my relationship with Travis Kelce work out without any distraction.”

“Nothing in this life can change my love for Travis Kelce. Nothing can separate us. No one in this world can stop me from marrying the man of my heart. I have chosen him, and there’s no changing my mind.”Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance isn’t for show — his friends believe it’s the “real deal,” a source tells PEOPLE.

“Travis’ friends think this is the real deal for him,” the insider close to the Kansas City Chiefs star says exclusively. “They’re still a little shocked by all of it — that he’s dating the Taylor Swift, but they’ve seen how down to earth she is with his friends and family.”

The source adds that the relationship is “growing” because the NFL tight end, 34, and the music superstar, 33, both have found success in their own worlds — and they continue to appreciate one another’s accomplishments.

“They’re both really hard workers, and he acknowledges her art is hers, and he has what’s his,” the source tells PEOPLE. “He understands the territory their relationship comes with and like he said, isn’t letting any of the hoopla impact how they’re growing together.”