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Damon & Elena have shared several steamy scenes this season — but they always end with Damon looking like he’s taking advantage of poor, innocent Elena. What gives?

The following are statements of fact: Elena (Nina Dobrev) is attracted to Damon (Ian Somerhalder), and Elena is a grown woman capable of making her own decisions. So here’s my question: Why has Damon consistently been painted as some sort of predator on The Vampire Diaries this season?

Allow me to illustrate my concern with two examples:

1. The bathroom scene (episode 2):

I loved the idea of Damon and Elena “blood-sharing” — it’s like third base for vampires — but did they have to do it in a bathroom? The taboo atmosphere, coupled with the creepy way they had Damon cradle Elena’s head, made him seem way more predatory than he actually is. Elena wanted to feed, and she was fully aware that Stefan (Paul Wesley) wouldn’t have approved of the encounter.

2. The party scene (episode 4):

Elena’s behavior on the Nov. 1 episode was straight-up inexcusable. After nomming on that douchey frat guy, she and Damon engaged in a sexy dance, and she was loving every minute of it. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I’ve seen her so happy. But the second Bonnie “Buzzkill” Bennett (Kat Graham) showed up, Elena panicked and said nothing while Bonnie accused Damon of taking advantage of her. Elena wants to have her cake — and drain it, too — but at some point, she’ll need to make a choice. Another choice. For real this time.

We, the viewers, know that Damon has very real feelings for Elena. And Elena knows it too, especially now that she remembers his big “you deserve better” speech from season two. It’s super lame that she’s letting all of her friends look at Damon as an emotionless sexual deviant.

I used to defend Elena — arguing that she didn’t choose to be in the middle of the Salvatores, and that she was merely making the best of a complicated situation — but I’m done with that noise. She’s blatantly messing with both brothers’ heads, telling Stefan she loves him while still carrying on with Damon, and she needs to get a grip.

Do you agree that Damon is being unfairly portrayed as a predator? And is Elena to blame for the way she’s treating the brothers, or does she get a free pass because she’s still adjusting to life as a vampire? Drop me a comment with your thoughts!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Vampire Diaries on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Recap: Damon & Elena’s Date Takes A Twisted Turn
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’: Are Elena & Stefan Breaking Up In Season 4?
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Video: Stefan Is ‘Always Going To Be Mad’ At Damon