Show me the COLOR!
Dec 19th 2009
Karen HawkinsWhen Goddesses Fall To Earth
Yesterday, someone came to my house carrying gifts (always a welcome sight!), looked around, and then nodded. “I just knew you liked maroon.”
I was already reaching for my gifts with one hand and holding out hers with the other when her words froze me in place. “You knew? How?”
She just smiled. “You have that sort of personality.”
As soon as she left, I googled ‘color’ and ‘personality’ and found this description of the personalities that coordinate with various colors. I was intrigued, so I began to call various friends and ask them about their favorite colors and if these descriptions fit. It was a lively day and I managed to get through it without wrapping a single present or completing a single household chore.
From my scant observation, I have to admit that this color survey was actually fairly accurate. Probably close to 85%, which is amazing.
Now, I want to see if this survey works for you … what’s YOUR favorite color and does it fit the description below? Let’s see how accurate this thing REALLY is!
White: Symbolic of purity, innocence and naivete, white has strong connotations of youth and purity. If you are an older person, your preference for white could indicate a desire for perfection and impossible ideals, maybe an attempt to recapture lost youth and freshness. It may also symbolize a desire for simplicity or the simple life.
Red: The color of strength, health, and vitality, Red is often the color chosen by someone outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and impulsive—or someone who would like to be! It goes with an ambitious nature but those who choose it can be abrupt at times, determined to get all they can out of life, quick to judge people and take sides. Red people are usually optimistic and can’t stand monotony; they are rather restless and not at all introspective, so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings. They find it hard to be objective and may blame others for any mishaps. Quiet people with a preference for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life.
Maroon: Harsh experience has probably matured the Maroon person into someone likeable and generous. It is often a favorite color of someone who has been battered by life but has come through. It indicates a well-disciplined Red personality—one who has had difficult experiences and has not come through unmarked but who has grown and matured in the process.
Pink: This color embodies the gentler qualities of Red, symbolizing love and affection without passion. Women who prefer Pink tend to be maternal. Pink desires protection, special treatment and a sheltered life. Pink people require affection and like to feel loved and secure, perhaps wanting to appear delicate and fragile. Pink people tend to be charming and gentle, if a trifle indefinite.
Orange: This color of luxury and pleasure appeals to the flamboyant and fun-loving person who likes a lively social round. Orange people may be inclined to dramatize a bit, and people notice them, but they are generally good-natured and popular. They can be a little fickle and vacillating, but on the whole they try hard to be agreeable. Orange is the color of youth, strength, fearlessness, curiosity and restlessness.
Yellow: The color of happiness, wisdom and imagination, Yellow is chosen by the mentally adventurous, searching for novelty and self-fulfillment. Yellow usually goes with a sunny and shrewd personality, with a good business head and a strong sense of humor. It is the color of intellectuality and all things to do with the mind. Yellow folks are usually clear and precise thinkers who have a good opinion of their own mental capacities and who have lofty ideals. They may at times tend to shun responsibility, preferring freedom of thought and action.
Green: The color of harmony and balance, Green symbolizes hope, renewal and peace, and is usually liked by the gentle and sincere. Greens are generally frank, community-minded people, fairly sociable but preferring peace at any price. Green people can be too self-effacing, modest and patient, so they may get exploited by others. They are usually refined, civilized and reputable.
Blue: Soft, soothing, compassionate and caring, Blue is the color of deliberation and introspection, conservatism and duty. Patient, persevering, conscientious, sensitive and self-controlled, Blues like to be admired for their steady character and wisdom. They are faithful, but are often worriers with somewhat inflexible beliefs and can be too cautious, and suspicious of flamboyant behavior.
Blue-Green: Exacting, discriminating, poised and attractive, the Blue-Green person tends to be sensitive, intellectual and refined, persevering and stable if rather detached. Blue-Greens have excellent taste, and are usually courteous and charming, capable but often refusing help or guidance.
Turquoise: Complex, imaginative and original, Turquoise people drive themselves hard and may be in a state of turmoil under their outwardly cool exterior.
Lavender: This is often chosen by a person who lives “on a higher plane,” who never notices anything sordid and who is always impeccably and beautifully dressed. Lavender people may be on a continual quest for culture and the refined things of life, high and noble causes but without the necessity of getting their hands dirty. A Lavender person is usually creative, charming, witty and civilized.
Purple: Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority.
Brown: A Brown person has stamina and patience, tending to be very solid and substantial, conscientious, dependable, steady and conservative. Browns are not impulsive, and may be inarticulate and tactless but they love responsibility and are reliable and kindly. If you chose Brown, watch out for a tendency to be obstinate and inflexible.
Gray: The color of caution and compromise, diligent Grays search for composure and peace and often work hard without reward. Older Grays like life to run on an even keel with few ups and downs. Young Grays may be withdrawing from life and suppressing their personalities. Grays often have good business ability and tend to work too much.
Black: Dignified and impressive without being showy, Black people want to give the appearance of mystery, but their preference may also indicate a suppression of desires and worldly aims, suggesting hidden depths and inner longings.
(Btw, I got this from an article condensed from The Healing Power of Color by Betty Wood, Inner Traditions, 1998)
Share your results! Does your favorite color describe your personality via this survey? How is it right and how is it wrong? Please share!
38 Comments »
38 Responses to “Show me the COLOR!”
B on 19 Dec 2009 at 1:39 am #
This is so very interesting. It’s not THAT accurate, actually. I mean, I’ll agree in the desires for protection and a sheltered life, require attention and like to feel loved and secure. People often feel the need to protect me and take care of me, I have no idea why exactly. My mom says that people I meet just want to take me home and raise me.
I’m VERY insecure about myself and constantly need reassurance that I’m loved, that someone gives a damn about me, that I’m not stupid and worthless.
But, then, I’m passionate. I have strong opinions and I’ll stand for what I believe. I like to argue. I’m sweet and kind, but I’m hardly gentle. I’m loud, explosive, colorful (unless I want to make myself invisible, then I just don’t talk). I suppose I’m charming, I’m generally easy to like.
Overall, I think the color who’d describe me better would be Turquoise (don’t you think, Karen?), which I like very much.
Funny, Maroon would also be a nice description and I really hate it.
B on 19 Dec 2009 at 1:41 am #
ps: I forgot to say my favorite color is PINK (duh!!!)
pps: Karen, I started to read “Talk of the Town” today and I’m really enjoying it so far (though I read very little today — I’ve been distracted and haven’t managed to focus much)
LisaK on 19 Dec 2009 at 2:07 am #
My favourite colour is yellow and the description absolutely matches my personality. The only thing I wouldn’t agree with is the responsibility-thing. Rather the opposite, I’m extremely responsible and go to equally extrem lengths to do my “duty”. But the other things absolutely nailed it!
Trini on 19 Dec 2009 at 2:57 am #
Hi Karen, I hear before about how color describes our personality and I think is truth.
My favourite color is RED and it’s a fairly accurate description of my personality… I’m very optimistic and enthusiastic. “Quiet people with a preference for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life.”
Anyway, I’m not too much ambitious and I’m not agressive in my ways.
I always say that I’m a very passionate person by nature and self-controled by education…
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 19 Dec 2009 at 3:33 am #
Red has been my favorite color since childhood—blue reds or pure red, never orangy reds. Some of it fits, some doesn’t. I guess I’ve grown more toward maroon personality wise, but age will do that to a gal. Still, one of the first questions I ask any of my characters is “What is your favorite color?” It can tell me so much. In real life, I often describe people with color; for instance, I have one dear friend who is such a Pink person she can be quite exasperating. She lets others handle things rather than face them herself—then gripes when the outcome doesn’t meet her expectations.
TrishD on 19 Dec 2009 at 7:06 am #
I’m going to sound like a 10 year old girl, when I’m really a **cough**cough** year old woman, but I can’t decide which is my favorite color. I love red, but I’m not too sure how much that has to do with my favorite hockey team, and purple. I have nail polish in 6 different shades of purple but I don’t think I have any red. Hmm.. never realized that before today.
Which describes me better? Purple, definitely. “Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood.” It’s almost as though I’m looking in a mirror. I’m not very artistic but I’ve always wanted to be. As a kid my walls were covered with my own drawings and I had/have journals full of “Trish thoughts”.
And temperamental? Yeah… a bit too much.
Freedom Writer on 19 Dec 2009 at 7:07 am #
Purple: Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority.
I am a purple person. I don’t know about fastidious, but I am definitely witty. And yes, that wit can turn to sarcasm at times. Tolerance is another of my good characteristics. I think overall the description of a purple person fits me except it says nothing of my stunning good looks.
Bronte on 19 Dec 2009 at 7:31 am #
Favourite colour is anything from red to burgundy/maroon and the red description is fairly spot on for my personality. Impulsive – check, aggressive – check, hates monotony – check. Restless – I am majorly fighting this at the moment. The impulse to move on just for the hell of it is getting really hard to fight. Having said all of that I work in a scientific profession – but I do work emergency. The never knowing what will walk through the door satisfies my impulsiveness and restlessness.
Very interesting post. Its really interesting thinking of people I know and what their favourite colours are if it matches to their personality.
Pesky on 19 Dec 2009 at 8:09 am #
My two favorite colors are blue-green (teal) and brown (a kind of goldie brown to be exact) with a splash of turquoise (sleeping beauty turquoise) thrown in. The descriptions combined are me spot on. Eclectic…but spot on. You can’t wear all those colors at the same time as well, as they will clash…and that goes with the personality traits.
My sister, aka The Brainy Blonde Bombshell, says it’s because I’m “artistic” which in her lingo means “weird, left of center, rowing up a river with one paddle intact, going to the picnic short one sandwich, playing poker with only 3 aces in the deck…”
*shrug* Who cares? I’m having fun enjoying life and giving people something to converse about at parties. At the end of my life I’m going to look back and say “well that was fun, let’s do it again.”
Judy F on 19 Dec 2009 at 8:10 am #
Blue: Soft, soothing, compassionate and caring, Blue is the color of deliberation and introspection, conservatism and duty. Patient, persevering, conscientious, sensitive and self-controlled, Blues like to be admired for their steady character and wisdom. They are faithful, but are often worriers with somewhat inflexible beliefs and can be too cautious, and suspicious of flamboyant behavior.
I am pretty much a blue. Worry is my middle name I am afraid. Right now its snowing here and I worry if I should try to go to the post office now or not. What if something happens to my car or me? Its like that daily. But Flamboyant nope that is not me at all. LOL Nor is the inflexible part. I think I am very flexible.
Angela on 19 Dec 2009 at 8:12 am #
My favorite color is blue. I am a worrier. Introspective, conscientious, sensitive and self-controlled, yup that’s me. But Patient, no way, baby. So blue pretty much describes me.
LoriHandeland on 19 Dec 2009 at 8:34 am #
My favorite color has always been red and the description is pretty close to me too. Aggressive, impulsive, ambitious. Check. Although I don’t think that I’m very open or uncomplicated. But maybe that’s just because I’m unaware of my shortcomings.
Fun blog, K-Ha!
elsiehogarth on 19 Dec 2009 at 9:13 am #
Whenever someone asked me my my favorite color as a child I would always say black. Due to their shocked expression then I started saying blue but still loved black. The description is very Machiavellian and right on the money.
Nicole Jordan on 19 Dec 2009 at 9:16 am #
Wow, that is a really cool survey, Karen! And talk about good decriptions of personalities. I’m saving this to use to develope characters.
My fave color now is probably blue-green, although I used to love royal blue and orange and burgundy when I was younger. So yes, it probably does describe me.
Tina on 19 Dec 2009 at 9:19 am #
Blue: A few things are correct.
Alicia on 19 Dec 2009 at 9:40 am #
B! I really hope you enjoy TALK OF THE TOWN!! If I absolutely had to pick a fave by Karen….that would probably be it, even though contemporary romances aren’t usually at the top of my list! Anyway!
I am probably a mixture between red and brown….which is pretty true…my living room is decorated that way. I’m very straight forward….probably so much so that sometimes it isn’t such a good thing. I think the bottom half of the red description is more fitting for me.
Great fun Karen! Now I have to get back to housework! Blech!
Catch y’all later!
Karen Hawkins on 19 Dec 2009 at 9:57 am #
Wow. It seems as if there is something significant about favorite color! I also like blue and I identified with that color/personality, too. I think some of us may be a combination of two, as many of you pointed out.
I read somewhere that when people look at various colors, they have similar reactions — blue soothes, for instance. Sooo maybe there is a connection there? I don’t know, but it’s very interesting. I’m going to call my sister today and see if she identifies with the color I think she will.
(P.S. B and Alicia, thank you for the kind words on Talk of the Town! I just did copy edits on the sequel and I hope you guys will enjoy it, too.)
Freshechelle on 19 Dec 2009 at 10:39 am #
Red is my favorite color, my couch is red, my bedding is red, my wallet & accessories are red (because they’re easy to find in my handbag). The start of the description fits me until you get to “can’t stand monotony” after that it’s not me at all. Like Gwynlyn, it has to be blue-red, never orange-red which is just too much like orange.
“not at all introspective, so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings” so not me. I found myself being offended by these words and started looking for another color. : )
Fun topic K!
Janae on 19 Dec 2009 at 10:56 am #
Hmm, I’d say that much of what is said about green is true of me. I don’t believe in keeping the peace at any price. In fact there are times when a little war is needed to have some peace. I recently shook up a women’s organization I volunteer in, by letting them know that I’d no longer work with the president since she has no life outside the organization, expects people to dedicate as much time and energy that she does, forgetting that the rest of us have lives and responsibilities outside of it, which makes it nigh impossible for anyone to work with her. IMO, the real issue is the president, but they don’t seem interested in replacing her at this time, which is a bad move on their part.
And with red hair, it’s just impossible to be self effacing since the hair draws attention. I’m not afraid to open my mouth to show people how smart I am either, but I know how to do it w/o being preceived as a know it all. Recently, someone asked me how I knew so much, and he didn’t accept my explanation of having a near photographic memory. However, he was satified when I said something about my parents that wasn’t even related to genetics or anything of that nature. It was weird.
Madeline Hunter on 19 Dec 2009 at 11:15 am #
Well, I don’t think it works for me, but it was lots of fun to see if it would.
Since my favorite color has changed over time, I plugged in all of the ones I have favored and while a point or two fit me at those times in my life, other points didn’t.
For example, blue was my favorite for ages, and it really does not fit, even if I am honest about the real me as opposed to the wannabe me. Then I plugged in lavendar, since recently I have developed a fondness for it that I never had before, and boy, it really doesn’t fit, lol. ” This is often chosen by a person who lives “on a higher plane,” who never notices anything sordid and who is always impeccably and beautifully dressed.”—- um, don’t think so. The impeccably dressed part really had me giggling. Can our favorite colors be aspirational?
What if someone doesn’t have a strong favorite at all? Did the article say what that means?
Lisa H on 19 Dec 2009 at 1:00 pm #
Hi Ladies! My favorite color is pink, but I also love burgundy and purple. I agree with the pink description except that I am very passionate, so that part is off a bit.
Karen Hawkins on 19 Dec 2009 at 1:38 pm #
Janea, I am so jealous of you having a near photographic memory. I have a very general type of memory — when I read something, i get the gist and can summarize beautifully. But remember specifics like dates and names? Uh uh. It made college a bit challenging!
Madeline, your favorite color as an aspirational personality trait indicator … now THAT would be interesting. It is funny how our preferences can change, too. I used to be a huge blue fan and now I’m into maroon. Hmmm. Wonder if I’m less serene.
Gannon on 19 Dec 2009 at 2:23 pm #
My favorite color is blue-green, and I guess the description is pretty accurate for my personality. Fun blog, K-Hawk!
Sabrina Jeffries on 19 Dec 2009 at 2:23 pm #
My problem is, I don’t think I HAVE a favorite color. I like different colors at different times. I THINK I could say that purple is my favorite color, but “dignified” I am not. So that doesn’t fit me.
In fact, various aspects of the various color shades fit me to varying degrees (how’s that for indecisive–wait, is “indecisive” one of the characteristics?). Which makes it sort of hard to choose.
Sabrina Jeffries on 19 Dec 2009 at 2:24 pm #
I’m with Madeline–what does it mean if you don’t have a strong choice of a favorite color?
Trini on 19 Dec 2009 at 3:37 pm #
Hi Sabrina, I haven’t idea what’s the meaning of don’t have a favourite color. But you can think that you are a especial person with many different colours in your heart, so the conclusion is that you are a very interesting women….
Paula on 19 Dec 2009 at 4:25 pm #
Blue: Soft, soothing, compassionate and caring, Blue is the color of deliberation and introspection, conservatism and duty. Patient, persevering, conscientious, sensitive and self-controlled, Blues like to be admired for their steady character and wisdom. They are faithful, but are often worriers with somewhat inflexible beliefs and can be too cautious, and suspicious of flamboyant behavior.
My favourite colour is Blue. I’ve been told I’m caring and compassionate. I am very conscientious (especially at work) and I’m sensitive and I’m a worrier and can also be very cautious.
I’ve not been around to much lately as my friend has been diagnosed with (terminal) secondary breast cancer so I’ve been helping her and her husband out by looking after their kids after school and so have been playing catch up in the evenings. She has just had a short stay in the local hospice due to a stomach virus and is now well and at home again. No-one knows how long she has but when the time comes it will leave a huge hole in my life. I am trying to come to terms with the fact that this is very likely her last Christmas.
Suzanne Enoch on 19 Dec 2009 at 4:28 pm #
I’m a charcoal gray or a lavender. Hmmmmmm. *g*
Karen Hawkins on 19 Dec 2009 at 4:41 pm #
Gannon, blue-green fits you! It’s a good color for you to wear, too. Hmm. Coincidence? Or not?
Sabrina, I think Trina’s spot on — if you like a lot of colors then you’re a special woman with different colors in your heart. Either that or you’re indecisive and need to take a stand and just PICK A COLOR, DARN IT! Heh!
Paula, sorry for your friend’s difficulties. It’s wonderful she has a lovely friend like you in this trying time. <<<>>> I hope you’re taking some time out for yourself, too.
Suzie, I could see you being either of those. Now that I think about the clothes you brought to Nationals, you wear a good bit of lavender, but I hadn’t thought of it because you always use it as an accent color. Always a peaceful person and yes, you work WAY too hard! BUT since I get to enjoy the fruits of your labors, that’s awesome for me, so I won’t tell you to stop.
evlqn on 19 Dec 2009 at 5:09 pm #
My favorite color is green and it mostly fits, however I am not a peace at any price person. I’m more of a who flung the chunk person actually. And the last couple of days the chunk flunger has been moi. Life is closing in and circling my wagons, not good. And Comcast screwed up my cable, phone & internet and I had to retire to Barnes & noble to get my work done. All I can say is I had better have everything up and running by the time I leave here.
I do like nearly every color at one moment or another. Now I must get on my homework.
Michelle B on 19 Dec 2009 at 5:36 pm #
Cool survey, Karen! My favorite color has always been sky blue also know as baby blue. I am soft, caring, compassionate, persevering, and definitely faithful. Sensitive and inflexible beliefs, yeah that is me too. I am patient most of the time, but like this week, I am so overwhelmed and behind. I get to snipping at people when they ask me something or just want conversation. That overwhemed part of me gets “introspective” trying to organize my way out in mental lists, now you want to interrupt that and I snap. So I guess your survey was on the money for me.
I used to teach a workshop on personality differences, recognizing which one and how to use it in the work place for more effective team work, so this was fun.
Karen Hawkins on 19 Dec 2009 at 6:04 pm #
eviqn, I laughed SO HARD at your ‘I’m more of a who flung the chunk person’ description. I knew EXACTLY what you meant! And yeah, I can identify. Good luck on your homework — and may the cable company get their butts in gear.
Michelle B, I used to do a lot of leadership training for students so I did some of that sort of thing, too. Probably why I love these things so much … added to the fact that writing has made me even more of an observer of the human condition. it’s interesting how we drop little hints about who we are in how we sit, speak, say hello, and perhaps even pick a favorite color. Very interesting!
evlqn on 19 Dec 2009 at 6:21 pm #
Karen, I just heard from my sister, our dog ate the cable. When they installed it they were careless and now they get to come do a better job. At least we have our services back on. Can you imagine not having phone, internet or cable with two teenagers in the house for winter break??
Karen Hawkins on 19 Dec 2009 at 7:42 pm #
eviqn, I can’t imagine ME being without internet and cable over winter break, much less my kids. All I can say is NO WAY. I’m glad you’ve got your services back on. We have a squirrel here who keeps eating through our line. I think I know which one it is, too, and if I ever actually SEE him and know for SURE it’s him … well, let’s just say it’ll be Game Time. (slathers camo paint on face and holds up bazooka) And I’m not talking football.
Louisa Cornell on 19 Dec 2009 at 8:19 pm #
This is a tough one. I am a purple and lavender lover. Those are my two favorite colors and it is difficult for me to say which is #1. The thing is both of these colors describe my personality fairly well.
I’m a bit of a culture snob – opera, Faulkner, Van Gogh, etc. BUT I also like some country music, zydeco, and I get really ticked if people look down their noses at my Southern redneck upbringing.
And as a musician I can be “Temperamental, expansive and artistic,” too.
So, I think these two colors do a pretty good job of describing me.
I guess I’m more of an Almond Joy type person. Sometimes I feel like a nut. And sometimes I don’t!
Karen Hawkins on 20 Dec 2009 at 12:35 am #
And Louisa, we love both parts of you!
It’s pretty cool that both colors describe you. You know, I think this color thing may have some merit. Not for everyone, but for a good number of us.
Patricia Barraclough on 20 Dec 2009 at 12:45 am #
I tend to like burgundy (maroon) and a dark green. As it turns out, the maroon description is pretty close. I’ve checked the colors my daughters like and they come pretty close to an accurate description of their personalities. I’m going to bring this to work and see how it does.
SuzyQ on 20 Dec 2009 at 11:47 am #
What? No fuchsia? OK, well then I have to go with purple, which I can see I have some of the qualities. But when choosing clothing, I always gravitate towards black.