Unlike her "The Vampire Diaries" character Elena, Nina Dobrev is in a good place right now. The young actress appears to be enjoying the free time she now has after leaving the popular TV series; and she even has a new boyfriend to spend the time with.

The 26-year-old star has been seen out and about with Austin Stowell for a while now. But it was during Jamie King's baby shower that Dobrev really opened up about the status of their relationship. According to several eyewitnesses, Dobrev arrived with the "Whiplash" actor and introduced him as her boyfriend. The two appeared to be really happy and were rarely apart during the party, with guests describing them to be either holding hands or wrapping their arms around the other.

And it seems the "Vampire Diaries" star and the 30-year-old Stowell have Selena Gomez to thank for their newfound happiness. Gomez allegedly introduced the two and even encouraged them to see where their connection will take them.

In spite of her new relationship, Dobrev says that ex-boyfriend and Vampire Diaries co-star Ian Somerhalder is still special to her. The "Degrassi: The Next Generation" star has pointed out in past interviews that she and Somerhalder were friends first before they started dating.

"I love him and the friendship is still strong and I think he's great and I care about him," the actress said.

Somerhalder seems to return the sentiment as well. The actor also appears to be certain that he will be working with Dobrev again, if his comments during "The Vampire Diaries" panel at San Diego Comic-Con are anything to go by. When asked whether the cast believes that Dobrev is gone for good from the show, the unflappable Damon said "She's still there, dude. She's in a casket. She's having a nap."

His other cast mates chimed in as well; telling fans that people on the show "die and come back."