<P> Before The Vampire Diaries , Elena dated Matt Donovan ( Zach Roerig ) , who was unable to move past his feelings for her initially after their break - up . Elena began dating Stefan Salvatore ( Paul Wesley ) , and later discovered he was a vampire . As the episodes progressed , she developed a connection with Stefan 's adventurous brother Damon Salvatore ( Ian Somerhalder ) , who consumes human blood , unlike Stefan , who has an animal blood diet . Speaking about the different qualities Stefan and Damon bring to Elena , Dobrev said they have `` different qualities that are very appealing '' , which combined make `` the perfect man '' . She said `` Stefan is committed and sweet and protective and loving , and Damon is spontaneous and crazy and fun and exciting '' . </P>
<P> Before The Vampire Diaries , Elena dated Matt Donovan ( Zach Roerig ) , who was unable to move past his feelings for her initially after their break - up . Elena began dating Stefan Salvatore ( Paul Wesley ) , and later discovered he was a vampire . As the episodes progressed , she developed a connection with Stefan 's adventurous brother Damon Salvatore ( Ian Somerhalder ) , who consumes human blood , unlike Stefan , who has an animal blood diet . Speaking about the different qualities Stefan and Damon bring to Elena , Dobrev said they have `` different qualities that are very appealing '' , which combined make `` the perfect man '' . She said `` Stefan is committed and sweet and protective and loving , and Damon is spontaneous and crazy and fun and exciting '' . </P>
who does elena date in the vampire diaries
who does elena date in the vampire diaries
Stefan Salvatore Damon Salvatore
Stefan Salvatore Damon Salvatore