He is the safer emotionally. Because Elena knows that anything happens he will love her, perhaps forever. But with Damon I think she doesn’t know exactly what he wants from her. Ok that he said love her but how long it will hold? Perhaps she afraid from the answer too.
Both brothers try to lead Elena according on their own mentality. Stefan is the dreamer, he dares to think to the future and don’t afraid to be emotional. But Damon is the realist who live the day, says accept what you get, don’t be weak.
Everybody have to find the balance between the dreamer and the realist. Because if you haven’t dreams you don’t evolve but when the life require then you have to be realist to see the things clearly.

Thank you, and Merry Christmas! Wait…it’s November. lol

Also if DErs keep complaining that the writers have let them down blah blah blah, why don’t they just get the hint that the writers are trying to portray here! Listen to my advice & stop shipping SE or DE. There are more interesting things going on in the show!! THE HUNTER,  THE CURE, BONNIE/PROF SHANE, HAYLEY, KLAROLINE ECT, the list could go on :)

 Okay then … so Stefan is not really the “safe” choice, just the more comfortable one.  I never understood why folks think Stefan is “safe” because I think he is highly combustible.  After all Stefan and the blood thirsty ripper are one of the same. 

Sorry, I didn’t mean for it to be a spoiler, it’s just speculation I heard someone say in another thread. I think it will still be a surprise either way.

 My interpretation of how he’s the “safe choice” is a little different, though I still agree with you. I think he’s safe because he’s the one she was with first, because at this point if she turns around and chooses his brother she will not only feel awful for doing so (because of the stigma involved thanks to all that went down with Katherine) but she will be looked at negatively also by her friends and family who have never approved of Damon thanks to the rough first impression they all had in S1. It would also be going back a lot of what she used to adamantly stand for, before all this stuff went down.

Perhaps I can shed some light Peach. Here’s the thing, Stefan is “safer” because he wont EVER challenge her, push her, surprise her (bar, you know, ripper stuff). With Stefan she never has to change or evolve. Whereas Damon will NEVER let her get away with staying the same, he’ll push her, aggravate her, question her, demand things she isn’t sure she has. Damon loves her so fiercely and I’m pretty sure he would demand the same devotion, that scares her.

Have I made sense?

 I actually really doubt the writers are trying to portray a hint, the ship wars are a gold-mine. If they didn’t want us to have hope they would just end the triangle, but it’s driving the show. The other stuff is all equally important, but they need both the shipping and the plot-interest to keep it going. One cannot be without the other.

Elena is much better when she’s single, like in the very beginning of season one before she knew Stefan was a vampire. And I guess even after that when she wasn’t single. I think in s1 as a whole she was way more self-assured. Weird.

 I meant to say Stefan wants Elena to be the “boss of her own life”  not boss  of everyone else  life.

Yeah that’s my point, with Stefan Elena will be the boss (of her, of him, same thing). Can you see that happening with Damon? Yeah… me neither. And that is scary, to a girl whose whole life was upended the night her parents died and who has slowly (quickly) watched most of her loved ones die, giving up control is some scary shit. Damon will try to run roughshod over the girl, terrifying (not sarcasm).

The first part of your comment, no Elena isn’t Stafan’s boss.  Elena is Elena’s boss.   They treat each other with respect, equals  and listen to what the other says and never force themselves on each other.   After that I really don’t understand what you are saying, sorry.

I wonder if Jeremy will got through the same stuff Ric went through??

I don’t know, I hope not. It may more be like what Connor went through, he may develop this insatiable need to kill vampires, without a care to who is family, friend, or foe.

Huh! I was wrong then, glad you reminded me of Stefan’s ire in that moment. But it doesn’t happen often enough (for me personally), but then again who want’s a boyfriend who argues with you all the time :-)

You’re right.  I wouldn’t want a boyfriend who would argue all the time.

Stefans that familiar safety blanket everyone approves of hanging on to. so of coarse Elena is going to be a sheep instead of listening to her hearts “consuming” desires… 

Since this is a Christmas themed episode, I thought about some presents that the characters desperately needed. Also, some required reading that would do them a world of good.

REBEKAH: A Kevlar vest or maybe even a magical force field. Anything! I mean…the girl seriously needs some sort of chest protection, cause the stabbings are borderline comical now. Maybe she can stock up at a Mystic Falls Army-type supply store. What, you don’t think one of those exist? lol Well, the writers can always conjure one out of thin air — you know, like the conveniently close “Whitmore College” Damon, Bonnie and Elena went to.

Required reading: “I’m an Original, hear me roar! Reclaiming your Original status in a changing world”. I think this book would really help Rebekah. Not just with her self-esteem issues, but with her tragic love life as well. Also, now that everyone hates her, this book can remind her that she’s better than them, and shouldn’t have to care what they think. Just like an Original should. Klaus gives it five stars!

DAMON: A gift basket of the finest Bourbon. Not only is it great drinking, but how else can Damon, or anyone else for that matter, have their heart-to-heart chit-chats, or other character-defining moments. Also, it’s his “breakfast of champions.” Wheaties for vampires. DAMONATOR!!! POWERING-UP!!! lol  And, as you know, it’s impossible for Damon to come up with a plan, without Bourbon in hand. (I seriously did not mean for that to rhyme, but it happens from time to time. lol) Let me stop. Haha!

A couple of leather jackets. Anything other than black will be returned. At once! Damon in a brown jacket? Shudder the thought! He’ll probably kill you just for your bad taste. How dare you insult him with a brown jacket! How dare you! lol

The Twilight Book Collection. Something to amuse himself before bed. Damon: “Vampires don’t sparkle. (smirks) That Edward is sooooo whipped. Wait……”

Some household cleaning products. As you know, Damon is a notorious clean-freak. I mean…look at his room. Who’s room is that spotless? And while you’re at it, a subscription to Martha Stewart Living. He really does enjoy the tips she gives. lol  Shh…don’t tell anyone though, he’s sensitive.

Required reading: “OMG…I’m in love with my brother’s girl! What do I do? Keys to overcoming obsessions and other unhealthy attachments.” Damon needs some serious soul-searching, and I think this book will do the trick. First chapter: A mandatory one week separation from Elena, er, the subject. Hey, how did they know it was her? Ha!

Also: “Why do I let her do this to me? Breaking the Doppelganger’s curse.” This is a sort of companion piece to the above book. It gives some additional insights for dealing with women that look exactly like your manipulative ex. Also, tips for breaking curses, literal ones, which might be the real root of the problem.

BONNIE: A stinkin’ storyline! Duh! lol Preferably one that doesn’t involve too much magic. Yeah, I know she’s a witch, but does she have to be a witch 24/7? How about finding out something else about her? Like who she really is? What she likes? What does she really think of this whole mess she’s in? What her family life is like? How the hell did she learn all those spells so quick? lol We never see her practicing. That Latin alone must be tricky. And, what the hell is the status between her and Jeremy? They seem to be in this weird relationship dynamic where they’re friends, but they’re also more than friends, but they’re not doing anything, but they’ll still help each other out, no matter what. Strange.

Some new grimoires. Preferably digital. To say her grimoires are old is like saying the sky is blue. Or the earth is round. It’s pointing out the obvious. These might be tricky to get, but maybe Ebay has some.

Required reading: “Learning to say NO! A young witch’s journey from YES to OH HELLLL NO!” With her grandmother not there, maybe this book can provide some much needed wisdom and tough love she so desperately needs. First chapter: Helping friends with dangerous black magic is probably not a good idea. lol Notes: Why does everyone think I hate Damon? I don’t have the faintest idea. Haha!

STEFAN: Some brand new hoodies. Preferably in blue. Animal hunting requires it! Plus, it’s a heck of a camouflage. The bunnies will never see him coming. lol

Hair gel and other grooming products. Just because he broods, doesn’t mean he can’t look good doing it. That’s a CW mandate people!

A full length mirror. When someone looks this good, a regular mirror just won’t cut it. lol

Diaries! Diaries! Diaries! What can I say, the man likes his diaries.

Required reading: “I want to have fun, but I’m afraid I’ll go on a killing spree. Strategies for overcoming Ripperhood and releasing the true vampire within.” Maybe in-between brooding sessions and daydreaming about Elena, he can actually get some work done. This book will really help him, because it addresses the real issues he’s facing. Think of all the fun he’ll have now — with Elena! The DE fans shudder! Ha! Stefan: (with cheesy smile and corny infomercial delivery) Hey, this really works! (gives the thumbs up sign) lol

Also: “Blood is good, Blood is great. Readjusting to human blood and other lifestyle changes.” This will really address his blood issues. He’ll realize that blood really is good, and it really is great, and there’s nothing wrong with drinking it. It’s a slow, step-by-step process, but I feel that this will really help him. First chapter: Learning to feed from the vein — again. Maybe Elena can offer some pointers. lol

KLAUS: He doesn’t get any presents. He’s been a naughty boy all year. Hell, all millennium! lol

Required reading: “How to be a better brother. Daggering isn’t always the answer.” Perhaps with this book, Klaus can learn to let go and treat his sister, and other siblings, with more kindness and affection. Instead of the impulse to dagger, he can talk about his feelings and help everyone reach a compromising solution. Who am I kidding? This is Klaus! Dagger first, and ask questions later. Haha!

CAROLINE: She doesn’t need any presents or books. She’s sustained by her utter Fabulousness. lol

MATT: A copy of The Vampire Diaries: Season one. It’ll help him pass the time, and keep his mind off “other” concerns. (I’m stuck in this horrible, nightmarish world, which only gets worse and worse each day. And, on top of that, I’m celebrating Christmas by myself. Man, my life really sucks.) Yes, those “other” concerns. lol  Matt:”Hey, that guy looks just like me! lol

Medical Insurance. Stat. That is all.

Required reading: “Sitting by myself in a room. Making loneliness fun.” If Matt embraces this book, he’ll realize that loneliness is a state of mind. He CAN have fun. Playing video games. Making prank phone calls. Completing art projects. Solitaire! All sorts of other activities that would keep him busy.

ELENA: Some more long sleeved blouses. Can’t have enough of those. Does she wear anything else. lol

Required reading: “Making the right decision. Strategies for the chronically indecisive.” This book could do her a whole world of good. Now, instead of procrastinating, or dancing around the subject, this can give her clear cut approaches to decision making. First chapter: Just pick one already! lol

Also: “Help me, I’m trapped between Salvatores. Advice for Doppelgangers and other love-stuck souls.” This is also a book that Elena needs. She can learn how others have “coped” in similar situations and how they ultimately freed themselves. Katherine Pierce gave it a recommendation!

This one too: “When life gives you lemons…. The Caroline Forbes guide to being the most fabulous vampire you can be.” Not only is this a great book, with some great tips, but it’s also written by her best friend, a very well-adjusted vampire. What better person to emulate.

One more: “It’s okay to smile. Being serious is so overrated: Tips for bringing happiness into your life.” Chapter one: Laugh! Everyone needs to get a copy of this one. Stat.

This was all in fun.

In response to dman:

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Thanks to you I started my day laughing my ass off!  Your Christmas gift list was hysterical.  I have no idea what you do for a living, but you have a future in comic writing if you want it.

Well, you could always go back and edit that stuff in ;) … but it was really funny and awesome as is :D.

‘Hayley finds a dramatic way…’ are they really going to try make her the enemey now?

After the episode I just watched I would say that Damon and Elena together is entirely a possibility. She has feelings for both of them and only time will tell who she picks. Personally I could care less who she decides on, just so long as Damon ends up happy; I think he deserves it. I want Klaus and Caroline to get together too because they are two of my four favourite character (the other two being Damon and Rebekah… how can I not love someone with my name?) and also because I think they are good together.