The Vampire Diaries may seem like just another teen show about vampires, but it’s far from Twilight. The complexity and lessons this show holds are innumerable. That being said, the quotes compiled here is a very short list of memorable quotes from the first half of the series.

If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll understand their significance. But if you’re not a fan, then here’s a taste of what you’ve been missing out on. Do you remember these scenes and characters? Bonus points if you read them in the character’s voice in your head.

1. “Hello Brother.” s1e1

Who can forget Damon’s introduction into the series? The perfect character to turn from villain to hero, Damon drops into the scene with this unforgettable quote. This was just the beginning of a series-long run of snarky comments and witty one-liners.

2. “It’s because I love you that I can’t be selfish with you.” s2e9

Damon is a character full of surprises, and while his love for Elena wasn’t exactly a secret, this scene showed a sensitive side nobody saw coming. You don’t have to like him or root for him and Elena, but it’s undeniable that this scene broke hearts and exposed that Damon has one at all.

3. “He's your first love. I intend to be your last, however long it takes.” S4e23

Another baddie from the show, Klaus is introduced as a villain who cares about nothing and no one but himself. Of course, that isn’t true, but his fascination and love for Caroline were unexpected, to say the least. When he wasn’t ripping hearts out (literally) on the show, he was doing it with lovelorn lines like this one.

4. “I was feeling epic, whatever.” S1e8

If you haven’t seen the series, you might not know why this line is so important, but it’s such a great quote from a short-lived character Lexi. But, the quote doesn’t end there. The series finale title is “I was feeling epic.” So, this was really the start of something much bigger.

5. “I think that you're gonna be the one to save him from himself. It won't be because he loves me. It'll be because he loves you.” S3e8

While the initial premise of the series is vampire brothers fighting over a girl, the show is about so much more. If we’re being honest here, it’s a bromance between Stefan and Damon. One that even Elena understands when she says this line to Damon. Don’t underestimate the love for family.