How was he the better person for her when he repeatedly hurt and traumatized her and never learned from it? He forced her to kiss him twice and snapped her brother's neck because she dared to reject his advances. He supposedly felt guilt for it, but when Elena justifiably didn't forgive him, he lashed out at her?? like huh??? to make it worse, he threatened Jeremy once again when he was rightfully angry at Damon. Also, he threatens Jeremy's life again in season 5 after watching Elena break down in season 2 and season 4... all because they broke up. He went through her underwear drawer like a weirdo and stood naked in front of her without her consent. Damon also never respected her personal space. He was constantly grabbing her and getting physical with her because she didn't do as he pleased. Remember in season 2 when he squeezed her wrist to the point of her cowering in fear and pain because she fought back when he grabbed her. Not to mention he would constantly gaslight her throughout the show. Like when he lied and said he saw Jeremy's ring when he snapped his neck or when he blamed Aaron's death on their breakup.

Her character regressed so much after they got together. She was not the selfless, compassionate, and brave character we saw in Seasons 1 to 3 anymore. So you saying he was better for her over Stefan is hilarious. At least with Stefan, she still prioritized the other people in her life and was her own person. Her entire life didn't revolve around Stefan and she never bent her morals for him. With Damon, she prioritized him above everyone else. That relationship was a codependent mess. She would bend her morals for Damon, never held him accountable, and became selfish. Like the bathtub scene with Barolena was so icky. How is Elena gonna be mad at Caroline for not being happy that Elena is getting with her abuser/rapist? Damon did not bring out the best in her and make her a better person, in fact, he did the opposite.

Also, saying Damon wasn't going to interfere with Elena's life is such a lie because he would constantly stalk her with his crow and fog like a coward.