The Similarity-Attraction Effect Between Loki and Sylvie: Loki (2021)

It must be wonderful to love someone who looks like a version of themselves, has a lot in common, has almost the same traits, and knows how they think. Being in a relationship looks very easy when you imagine the other version of yourself. However, this can either give us many advantages or disadvantages. It all depends on how we deal with the situation.

The similarity-attraction effect happens when we are attracted to people who are similar to us. It could be in any form of relationship, whether it's friendship or more. We often tend to be attracted to someone with similar beliefs, views and likes. The similarity-attraction effect is portrayed exactly that in human society. We see someone who we might not know well, but somehow, we feel like they know us. And the moment you both have a conversation, both parties understand each other well.

If you took a look at yourself in the mirror, would you date the same version of yourself? Imagine if you lived a life where you could meet the same version of yourself but with a variety of creatures in it. The same traits, the same behavior, and the same thought process are in front of you. What would you do

Well, ask Loki about his perception of Sylvie.

Suddenly shown up at the TVA (The Time Variance Authority) outside of time and space, Loki finds himself trapped between time and space. He is surrounded by people who can manipulate and organize time according to the existing timeline. There, he's put on a mission to destroy someone who messes up the timeline, which is Sylvie. Knowing that Sylvie is the woman's version of himself, he understands her thought process behind wanting to save everyone. From Sylvie, Loki finds out that the TVA is a bunch of manipulated people from Earth who are brainwashed to work at the TVA. Sylvie informs Loki that she managed to flee from the TVA when she was a child. Loki agrees to take down the TVA with Sylvie, with all the consequences,

one of which is in love with the version of himself.

The similarity-attraction effect may be caused by various factors. In Loki's case, it is due to his narcissistic self caused by his trauma. Loki appears to be self-centered, apathetic, arrogant, and many more. However, that is only the top layer of his character. He is insecure, vulnerable, and feels inferior deep down. He tries to conceal these feelings at any cost. As a result, he never pleads or asks for help. Instead, he chooses to suffer in silence and bear his problems alone. He responds to threats with a joke and hides his true emotions under a veil of delusion. [More on Loki’s act of narcissism].

Loki is actually a complex and interesting character. What he shows is not actually how he feels. The narcissistic portrayal Loki brings into the world is his reaction to the neglect from his family. Deep down, he cares about the people whom he loves. We can see it at the end of season 2 when he sacrifices his life to protect the timeline.

Mobius: You fell for yourself!

Loki: Her name was Sylvie.

In that moment, the moment of realization hits Loki. He actually does not know how to feel about Sylvie since he's in disbelief at loving a woman's version of himself. There's also a moment of disappointment on his face. Falling in love with Sylvie means falling in love with parts of himself that he hates. 

When it comes to Sylvie, her trauma of never being understood drives her to have a trust issue with people. Being misunderstood is a difficult state to be in, especially when you want to do something right and no one understands you. The similarity-attraction effect Sylvie feels towards Loki has something to do with Loki trying to understand her instead of thinking she's always wrong.

The reason why Loki and Sylvie keep attracting one another is the proof of the similarity-attraction effect. The underlying idea of the similarity-attraction effect is that people tend to feel more comfortable and connected with those who hold similar views, as it fosters a sense of understanding to each other.

Sylvie: Do you think that what makes a Loki a Loki is the fact that we're destined to lose?

Loki: No. We may lose. Sometimes painfully. But we don't die. We survive. I mean, you did. You were just a child when the TVA took you, but you nearly took down the organization that claims to govern the order of time. You did it on your own. You ran rings around them. You're amazing!

Although they want to cut each other's throats throughout the series, they sure do gain unexplainable comfort from each other. To have someone who thinks just like you, someone who understands you without you having to explain, to support you no matter what, to warn you about bad ideas would be an absolute dream to have in any form of relationship. That's why the similarity-attraction effect between them glides so naturally. No matter how much they push each other away by any means, the bond of understanding one another is an unbeatable connection.

Even though they are both 'Loki,' they obviously have different lives. Sylvie, who has never felt parental love and never had a permanent home, will be different from Loki, who was abundant in wealth from his previous life in Asgard. Both of them have different backgrounds in life, but somehow they feel like they are people who have a lot in common. The way they respond to problems is also different. However, they understand each other through their shared vision.

With Sylvie's state of being filled with anger every time she is faced with problems, Loki would certainly understand.

Loki: I've been where you are. I've felt what you feel. Don't ask me how I know. All I know… is I don't wanna hurt you. I don't want a throne. I just… I just want you to be okay.

As time progresses, Loki is not the person he used to be, but with the presence of Sylvie, he now sees how he used to be. Loki sees Sylvie as himself from the past, who solves every problem with violence. Cruelty is somewhat always the answer for Sylvie. She does not think thoroughly. There is a part of Loki that wants to approach Sylvie in the regard of telling her to think her problems through. But with Sylvie's impulsive behavior, there's nothing Loki can do.

Loki: Love is a dagger. It’s a weapon to be wielded far away or up close. You can see yourself in it. It’s beautiful. Until it makes you bleed. But ultimately, when you reach for it…

Sylvie: It isn’t real. Love is an imaginary dagger.

It's difficult to convince or prove to someone that love surrounds us when they hardly believe love is real. Loki wants Sylvie to believe in love, at least a little bit. Deep down, Loki wants Sylvie to express her true self, who isn't trying to protect herself from anyone, especially in front of him. Seeing Sylvie's personality hurts Loki because Sylvie is his past self. As much as Loki wants to save Sylvie, she is the one who can save herself from her doom. Sylvie's trust issue with everyone is the result of her being the one who gets blamed and hurt in the end, and Loki is aware of that.

That is why Sylvie's presence is important in this series. Having a duplicate of a character with a mindset of the old ones can be eye-opening. Loki sees his past self in Sylvie. Therefore, Sylvie brings character development for Loki to have a sense of empathy. Their chemistry happens due to the similarity-attraction effect between them and all the emotional build-up of them finishing missions together.

Watch here for more information why Sylvie is important in the series.