Updated by Katie Machado on May 06, 2020: If you were ever Team Elena/Damon, then you probably know that these two, played by Nina Dobrov and Ian Somerhalder, also dated in real life. While the relationship was tentative at first, these two spent three blissful years seemingly in love with one another. What began as a bonding moment behind-the-scenes as the portrayed hopeless romantic vampires on screen, soon turned into a pretty serious love affair.
Despite the fact that Elena was completely in love with Stefan, Damon's brother, on the show, Ian Somerhalder is the vamp who won her real-life heart. While their relationship ended back in 2013, one thing fans never get tired of is reminiscing about this romance. With rumors circulating about a potential season nine of Vampire Diaries, it's not surprising that everyone is craving more of the electricity that both Elena and Damon shared on-screen. According to Devdiscourse, both Dobrev and Somerhalder refused to take on their old roles, but that doesn't mean the magic is gone completely.
Their vampire legacy is still steaming up the fandom and never really ended for true fans of the series. So what do we still know about these two, even though they've both moved on? We're spilling the deets and revisiting one of The Vampire Diaries' favorite couples.
17 The Two Share A Passion For Serious Relationships, Just Not With Each Other
It's been rumored that Dobrev's next (serious?) beau might be none other than Shawn White, Olympic gold medalist and musician. While it would be a detour from her past romances, which have been co-workers, more often than not, it would be her first serious relationship since Grant Mellon, whom she dated for years after Somerhalder.
It seems that the two former vamps have found themselves and continue to have one more thing in common - falling in love.
16 They Were Friends Prior To Dating IRL
Nina Dobrev has some pretty strict rules about who she dates and why. When it comes to love, especially with Ian Somerhalder, the two were fast friends prior to anything romantic. They began as friends which - despite her efforts to ward it off - turned into something much more.
15 Dobrev Refused To Date Her Co-Stars Openly... Until Somerhalder
The two knew each other for roughly a year (during the time they spent working together) before beginning to spend time with one another outside of the set. Even though they were seen in multiple locations (around the world!), neither of them would confirm a relationship until the following year.
Looking back, it's also been rumored that Dobrev has dated co-workers in the past - including one actor from her time on Degrassi.
14 Their Co-Star, Kat Graham, Called Them 'Hippies'- In A Good Way
Their co-star Kat Graham said that the two were 'hippies', but in the best way possible. With their huge hearts, passion for eco-friendly lifestyles, and compassion for both people and animals, it's not hard to believe this. Their co-stars also thought they were perfect for one another, but nothing lasts forever, right?
13 The Day They Broke Up, Somerhalder Had An Interesting Post On Social Media
It's believed that Dobrev wasn't ready to settle, and she said on multiple occasions that she was career-oriented before anything else. The day they split, Somerhalder posted a rather cryptic message on social media 'A THOUGHT FOR TODAY. People change and forget to tell each other. – Lillian Hellman, playwright (1905-1984).'
12 The Two Won 'Best Chemistry' At The People's Choice Awards... Post-Breakup
The chemistry that these two had was pretty undeniable, from the set to their personal life. Not only were they electric behind the camera, but they had an incredible connection as both friends and partners as well. This was noticed by everyone around them, leading to their 2014 win at the People's Choice Awards, where the two even made a (slightly awkward) joke about how they had to continue their on-screen romance, even though their IRL romance was null and void.
11 Romantic Trips Were Always On The Itinerary, Including Australia And Paris
Before the two had even confirmed they were dating, they were seen in multiple places around the world. A photo was seen of the two of them snorkeling in Australia at the Great Barrier Reef, and another snapped at Daintree Rainforest. On their second travel adventure, they even brought some family along with them.
10 Speaking Of Paris, The Two Brought Their Mothers Along With Them To Meet
The two were spotted by paparazzi in Paris, where they weren't vacationing alone. Somerhalder and Dobrev brought along their mothers and it was speculated that this was the first of the 'meet the parents' visits. It looked like they were all getting along great from the photos, and their parents obviously approved.
9 Dobrev Left The Vampire Diaries Shortly After Somerhalder Was Married To Nikki Reed
While the two are in no way connected, Dobrev announced that her time on The Vampire Diaries was done early in April of 2015. Despite her personal reasons for leaving the show, she remained close friends with her co-workers, Somerhalder included. He was married to their co-star, Nikki Reed, less than one month after.
8 Dobrev Was Friends With Somerhalder's Current Wife
Was, and still is! The three are good friends to this day and continue to catch up whenever they run into each other. Unlike many Hollywood relationships, Somerhalder and Dobrev didn't end things on a bad note and remain friendly and jovial toward each other. Dobrev was even good friends with Reed, Somerhalder's current wife.
7 The Two Were Very Professional - Dobrev Admitted Marriage And Kids Weren't On The Cards
In an interview with Access Hollywood, Dobrev took the time to clarify what her life goals were. While fans pressured a wedding and children, Dobrev made it clear that her goal has always been her career, and that's what she was putting first. She also clarified that she was still young, and was in no rush to start anything serious.
6 Dobrev Fought Her Feelings For A Long Time
Of their relationship, Dobrev said that she 'fought her feelings' for quite some time before finally giving into Somerhalder. It was her choice to avoid dating her co-stars, and she said above all, she wanted to maintain a level of professionalism when it came to relationships both and off-screen.
5 For A Year, The Two Refused To Speak Publicly About Their Relationship
Likely due to the fact that Dobrev was initially against it, the two kept their relationship under lock and key for quite some time. For roughly a year, although fans speculated, the two said nothing about their personal relationship.
By the time they were formally out in public together, a year later, the cat was pretty much out of the bag.
4 Dobrev Had Specific Requirements For Dating People
Dobrev says of who she dates that the main quality she seeks in a partner is happiness. According to the actress, if someone isn't happy with themselves, then she can't see herself dating them. A relationship, according to her, should be fun, and when that's gone then there's not much left.
3 The Two Had A Cat Together: Moke
According to fans, Moke, the cat that the two took care of together, went to Dobrev after the split. With Somerhalder being as kind-hearted as he is, it's no surprise that he surrendered their furbaby. The two have a long-standing love for animals, though - Moke wasn't the only one they took care of!
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1 There Is, And Was, No Love Triangle Between Dobrev, Reed, And Somerhalder - They're All Good Friends
Rumor had it that there was some crazy love triangle between these three, but the fact is that a rumor was all it was. Reed took to Instagram to defend her friendship with Dobrev and her relationship with Somerhalder, stating that they're all friendly, there's no ex-drama, and they remain close to this day.