Elaine makes some silly decisions on Seinfeld that fans will always , from breaking up with someone for not using an exclamation point to holding grudges for no real reason. But even though Elaine makes as many mistakes as Jerry, George, and Kramer, Elaine does make some smart decisions about her jobs and her love life that make a lot of sense.
From ending a relationship that is all wrong to helping a friend out, it's interesting looking at some of the most intelligent choices that Elaine has made throughout all 9 seasons of Seinfeld.
Realizing She And Jerry Should Just Be Friends
When Seinfeld fans debate Jerry and Elaine's relationship, it's interesting to think about the season 2 storyline in "The Deal" when they decide to have sex again.
Elaine's decision to stop dating Jerry and stay friends with him is definitely one of her most significant life choices. This opens Elaine up to finding real love, as she doesn't feel that she and Jerry are good together, and even though she doesn't find her person during the show's 9 seasons, it feels like she is still hopeful.
Dating Tony Despite What Others Think
Elaine's boyfriend Tony is considered silly because he's incredibly attractive and ditzy. Elaine struggles with their relationship when Tony gets into an accident and he has to wear bandages on his face.
Although Elaine does act in a superficial manner here, she does follow her gut instincts and date Tony even when her friends aren't that nice about it. This is a big deal as it shows that Elaine is confident and doesn't always care what other people think.
Accepting A Job At The J. Peterman Catalog
Elaine seems to like working in the publishing industry, and she moves on from books to a catalog when she begins working for J. Peterman.
Despite how chaotic and wacky this job ends up being, Elaine makes the smart choice to this team. Elaine is even put in charge when Peterman goes to Burma, and even though things get incredibly stressful, it shows Elaine that she can take on responsibility and think about her career goals.
Asking Her Friends To Attend A Dinner With Her Dad
Season 2's "The Jacket" stands out among the best Seinfeld episodes since it's always entertaining to watch Jerry get so excited about his new jacket and then have it ruined by the snow.
This is also an important episode because Elaine is meeting her dad and she asks Jerry and George to come with her. While they don't love this and everyone has an awkward evening, it's great that Elaine asks for help when she needs it, and this is one of the best things that she ever does.
Trying To Move Into Jerry's Apartment Building
Although Elaine doesn't end up moving into an apartment in Jerry's building, and he thinks that it's a horrible idea, this is still one of the most interesting and significant choices that Elaine makes.
Elaine is trying to find a nicer place to live, which she definitely deserves, and she's not wrong to think that living in a building with her best friend would be fun and comforting. Even though this situation doesn't work out, it's great that Elaine wants to make a positive change to her living situation.
Helping George Get A Job
George makes many mistakes on Seinfeld, including in the season 3 episode "The Red Dot." Elaine gets George a job at her company and viewers know how this works out.
While this becomes a total disaster when George sleeps with the woman who cleans office, that isn't Elaine's fault, and it's still nice and important that she's the kind of person who wants to help her friends out.
Having Her Own Dealbreakers
While sometimes Jerry and Elaine break up with people and seem like they're overreacting, like when Elaine is upset with Jake for not using an exclamation point, it's a good thing that Elaine listens to her gut instincts while dating.
Even if fans don't always agree with Elaine's relationship choices, Elaine does have some dealbreakers, and it's important that she only dates someone if she feels comfortable with them. When she doesn't like that David Puddy paints his face in season 6, it makes sense that she would find his behavior strange and unnerving.
Being Honest About Her Likes And Dislikes
Although Elaine's hatred of The English Patient is part of a humorous and light-hearted storyline in season 8, Elaine's honesty about how she really feels about this movie is one of her best decisions.
Elaine isn't going to just go with the crowd and pretend that she likes something that she doesn't, and this is one reason why fans love this character so much.
Volunteering With The Elderly
Not every Seinfeld storyline is realistic, but Elaine's decision to start volunteering in season 4 is a smart one, and it's really nice that she wants to do something for someone else.
It might not work out well when Elaine, George, and Jerry volunteer with some elderly people, but the fact that Elaine wants to help out shows that she is person with a lot of comion.
Prioritizing Friendships
In the season 7 episode "The Pool Guy," Elaine and Susan go to an art show together as Elaine wishes that she had more close friends. Elaine also makes some new friends in season 8's "The Bizarro Jerry."
Elaine does the right thing by acknowledging that she wants friends and doing her best to bond with Susan and to branch out of her typical social circle.