Stefan and Elena in “Unfinished Business”

Stefan

You had Alaric compel you to forget every good thing that Damon ever did. You made him a monster in your own mind because you couldn't handle the grief of losing him.

Elena

I don't believe anything that you're saying. Why would I do that?

Stefan

Because you were in love with him, and he was in love with you. And when Damon died, a part of you died, too.

Elena

Wow. Oh, God, what? No. No, Stefan...how could I possibly love Damon?

Stefan

Believe me, I asked myself that for a very long time. And eventually, I saw it. Damon inspired you. He pushed you to own the darkest parts of yourself. And when you died, he was the only one that could make you feel alive again, and you made him feel human. You loved Damon for the same reasons that I love Damon. Because in spite of every single thing that he did, we couldn't live without him. And now, you don't have to, but I do. So, I'm gonna do it my way. You do it yours.