Season 4, first watch. Elena became Damon's lap dog

She was a good character earlier on, I liked her with Stefan a lot. I'm on season 4 and she lost her character completely. She follows Damon like a shadow, constantly standing behing him, doing whatever he wants. I know there's that whole sire bond but honestly. Tyler became a werewolf, then a hybrid, then he was sired to Klaus but he still held onto his character. Elena became Damon's lap dog. No idea how they can end up together. Really toxic relationship from season 1, and only getting worse with each season.