In a show packed with fickle romances, 'Steroline' turned out to be one of the few romances that were forever. Stefan and Caroline got married by the end of The Vampire Diaries, to the delight of many fans who wanted them to be together for a long time.
The duo has had one of the most interesting relationships in the show, starting with an unrequited crush to best friends to lovers. Throughout the series, if one thing was constant, it was them being there for one another no matter their relationship status. They have some amazing lines that convey their strong and genuine love for one another.
Each Other's Backbone
"Come to me, whenever you want, and I won't let you lose control." - Caroline
Stefan helped Caroline control her urges when she became a vampire and that is how they became close friends. Caroline has always been grateful to Stefan for that and later in the series, she wants to be there for him in the same way he was for her when she was about to lose control.
This shows that Caroline is ready to help Stefan and support him even in his darkest phases. This is how true love is, standing with each other through the thick and thin. Needless to say, Stefan and Caroline fit that criteria.
Can't Imagine Letting The Other Person Down
"I didn't want you to think any less of me." - Stefan
Stefan and Caroline are inherently good people but being vampires, their dark sides can sometimes overpower their goodness. However, being with each other more often than not brings out their kinder selves. They help one another be the best versions of themselves and that is a great foundation for a healthy relationship.
The fact that Stefan conveys that he wants to protect his goodness and virtuous nature for Caroline proves how non-toxic their romance is, which cannot be said for many other couples in The Vampire Diaries.
Genuinely Like And Respect Each Other
"Maybe it's because I thought you were worth having a thing for." - Caroline
Their love was a slow-burn romance and it was Caroline who developed feelings first. Stefan didn't become attuned to his feelings for Caroline until later but first, he confronts Caroline about why she fell in love with him. In her anger, Caroline gets real and she tells him exactly why she fell for him.
Her words are incredibly raw and vulnerable and she lets her entire heart out in this scene. She tells him how she has been developing feelings for him for a long time because she had always thought highly of him and genuinely liked him. So, their love wasn't an impromptu spur-of-the-moment thing, but something that developed over the years and that is why it is so strong.
Protect Each Other At All Costs
"I promise you I won't let anything happen to you." - Stefan
Even before they had any kind of romantic feelings between them, they deeply cared for each other. He helped her through one of her hardest times when she turned into a vampire. At the beginning of the show, Stefan saved her from Logan Fell, and then in season 2, he saved her again from Damon.
Not only that, he comforted her and reassured her that he would always protect her. It was such a sweet moment between the two, that kickstarted the iconic friendship of Stefan and Caroline.
Truly Know And Appreciate The Best Of Each Other
"Because that's what makes you, you." - Stefan
The best thing about Stefan and Caroline is that they truly appreciate each other and also their friendship. Their friendship has gone through a lot but they always find their way back to each other because they truly value one another's presence in their life.
This quote from Stefan signifies that he loved Caroline as much as Caroline loves him. He may not have known at that time, but the look in his eyes as he said those words is proof enough that he too harbored feelings for her. At the end of this episode (5x17) when they fall asleep cuddled next to each other is one of the sweetest Steroline moments.
Embracing Each Other's Darkest Parts
"You don't have to pretend with me." - Stefan
Their friendship was built on trust, appreciation, care, and respect. This is what makes it a great recipe for a strong and healthy romantic relationship. Stefan says to Caroline in the early seasons that she doesn't need to present a strong self in front of him signifies that he knew her and understood her like no one else.
Caroline had other friends too, like Bonnie and Elena, but neither of them cared about her as much as Stefan did. Stefan can see right through her and that is what makes their relationship work because it eliminates any issue that might arise due to miscommunication.
Care About The Other Person's Happiness More Than Anything
"One day you'll meet someone new and fall madly in love." - Caroline
When Stefan and Elena broke up, Stefan was devastated. Caroline hurt so much to see Stefan like that and she was also angry at Elena for choosing Damon. This proves that Caroline genuinely cares about him and if she had ulterior motives like Katherine, she would have rejoiced at the fact that she could have Stefan for herself now.
However, she had no intentions like that and all she wanted was Stefan to be happy. She consoles him by saying that one day he will meet someone else who will be deserving of his love. The quote was such a great foreshadowing to their love story.
Willing To Wait For Each Other
"I'll wait, and when you're ready for me, I will be ready for you." - Stefan
Just like Caroline, Stefan cares about her happiness too. Their love is so strong that they know giving each other space will not diminish it or dampen it. Stefan states that Caroline has brought so much joy, support, and strength into his life. He is willing to wait for her to be ready to accept his love because she is worth the wait.
In a world where everyone is looking for the next best thing, it is so sweet of Stefan to give time and space to Caroline, as long as she needs it. This is such a great example of a healthy relationship. Their love truly stood the test of time and space, and still did not break.
Best Friends To Lovers
"You told me once that I would fall madly in love without even realizing it. And that's what happened. Day by day, bit by bit, year by year. With you." - Stefan
Recalling Caroline's words to him, Stefan tells her on their wedding day how right she was about finding someone and falling in love with that person and it was her all along. It was one of the best full-circle moments on The Vampire Diaries.
This quote made Stefan and Caroline's wedding extra special because it reminded fans of how they have always stood with each other through thick and thin. That is why they deserve to be with one another because no one else makes them so happy.
Forever Love
"Tell Caroline I heard her. And I will love her forever too." - Stefan
Not long after his wedding to Caroline, Stefan sacrifices his life for the good of the town of Mystic Falls without a proper goodbye to Caroline. Caroline leaves him a message though, telling him that she loves him. It remained a question in fans' minds as to whether Stefan heard her message or not until Elena woke up.
That is when fans learn that when Stefan met Elena after his death, he told her to tell Caroline that he heard her message and he will love Caroline forever too. No Steroline fan can sit through this scene without shedding tears because they deserved to spend more time with each other. Still, this scene proved that their love for each other is eternal.