You’re at a bustling restaurant, the air thick with laughter and the enticing aroma of gourmet dishes. Sitting across the table from you is someone you seemed to have absolutely nothing in common with – yet, as you dive into conversation, a spark ignites. They look you dead in the eye before they go, “What’s your favourite colour, by the way?” The world around you fades, and the question hangs in the air, almost like a solid 50% chance at a deeper connection.Â
Masked as a simple question, it opens doors to a fascinating realm: why is it that we associate colours so intimately with our emotions and identities? It turns out that this is something that is deeply rooted in the heart of colour psychology, which explores how colours influence our moods, behaviours, and perceptions.Â
One of my favourite (and only) non-fiction books of all time, Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson (which I cannot recommend to people enough and definitely wouldn’t stop talking about at pretty much any social gathering), sorts people into four categories by colours – red, blue, green and yellow. He insists that each colour tells a story, revealing distinct traits and communication styles that help us understand ourselves and those around us.Â
He then goes on to classify the Reds as the bold leaders of the group, with energy crackling like a live wire. They have an assertiveness that commands attention and a radiating confidence, inspiring others to follow their lead. The Yellows are the social butterflies that have a natural knack for making connections, weaving laughter and joy into every interaction. The Blues are analytical thinkers, perpetually striving for perfection, laying emphasis on structure and precision. They bring well-reasoned perspectives to the table, and you just know a Blue would have considered every possible permutation and combination as a solution for a problem before finally pitching it. Finally, the Greens bring a soothing, calm presence to the mix. They’re empathetic and nurturing and always seek harmony in their relationships above all else.Â
As I dove into the book, I found myself completely engrossed, eagerly assigning myself and my loved ones a unique colour combination to rationalize their every move and every decision. Suddenly, all the people in my head began to mould into complex mosaics of traits and tendencies. The boldness that shines through Reds, the warmth of Yellows, the analytical nature of Blues and the calmness of Greens all danced in my mind, interplaying in ways that made me mull over and replay all my interactions with those around me. Rather than getting frustrated by different communication styles or decision-making processes, I began to embrace them.Â
I used to proudly claim that my favorite color was blue. On reading the book, though, I started identifying myself as a blend of Yellow and Green, specifically developing a new appreciation for the colour green. The soothing, nurturing spirit it gives off began to resonate with me in ways I hadn’t expected. It’s really fascinating how exploring these concepts not only modified my self-perception but also, surprisingly, my aesthetic preferences. Suddenly, shades of green and yellow adorned my wardrobe and home decor, reflecting a deeper connection to my evolving identity, all of which was provoked by a simple book.Â
So the next time you find yourself in a position where you meet someone new and are asked what your favourite colour is, I want you to pause. I want you to realize. That this seemingly innocuous, innocent question holds the potential to unveil layers of your personality and foster a deeper connection with those around you. That revealing your innermost thoughts with someone can often feel like standing on the edge of a canyon, where the fear of vulnerability looms large. Embracing this moment of honesty, however, brings an opportunity to spark a meaningful connection. At this point, multiple thoughts may cloud your mind, but the real question is – “What’s your favourite colour?”