Unpopular Opinion.. perhaps?

I am on season 2 last episode (for like the 50th time lol). I have finally realized something. Elena allowed for Damon to get close to her way before Stefan was compelled to leave town. She allowed for him to flirt with her, she never stopped it because she liked it. I noticed an episode where she got jealous that Damon was dancing with Bonnie and yet again when the reporter was flirting with Damon. She kept reassuring Stefan that he had nothing to worry about. Meanwhile, she knew Damon’s feelings for her. In a way, I feel like she played with them both even if she thought it was innocent. I kinda wish Damon had another love interest other than Elena. Even if in the end it were Delena, I would’ve like to see him in a real relationship with someone else.