"What's your favorite color?" was our favorite icebreaker question as children. The answer began to lose its importance in middle school when our English teachers over-analyzed every hue mentioned, and now, if someone were to test you on your best friend's shade of choice, it's probable that you wouldn't even know. Colors are much more valuable than we give them credit for, however, they affect us in ways that we often fail to realize.

1. Red

Red is the color of love and war. It is an extreme color that is filled with both passion and destruction, which is why it is often used to indicate danger and has the power to stimulate people to make quick decisions. The color's physical effects on the human body include raising blood pressure, increasing respiration rate, and strengthening metabolism. It is important to note that the effects of the color red are merely temporary and do not affect everyone; out of all the colors, however, it is one of the most powerful.

If red is your favorite color, it is likely that you are an action-oriented person with a deep need to be physically engaged in life. You are passionate, you are bold, you are daring.

2. Orange

Orange is a polarizing color that symbolizes health, energy, and joy. It alludes to heat, although not nearly as aggressive as red, and attracts children in particular. It is the only color with a name taken from an actual object -- orange, the fruit -- which is a fact closely linked with the color's effect on the human body. It evokes the taste of healthy, juicy fruits and can heighten appetite.

If orange is your favorite color, it is likely that you enjoy socializing with people. Your focus is on finding a sense of belonging within a group, which isn't too difficult given that you have a charm.

3. Yellow

Yellow represents happiness, warmth, and energy. It is the color that visually attracts the most attention, which is why it is frequently used on cautionary signs. It is prevalent in the natural world, coloring bright flowers like daffodils, lemons, and most importantly, sunshine. Despite its vibrance and optimism, there is a darker side to yellow that is associated with cowardice, sickliness, and jealousy.

If yellow is your favorite color, it is likely that you have a cheerful and optimistic demeanor. During times of adversity, you put on a brave face and smile through it. You also may have a little bit of a creative spirit.

4. Green

Green is the color of nature, symbolizing fertility, growth, and even luck. It can improve sight and is considered the most peaceful color, typically indicating safety and stability. Contributing to its safeness is its association with prosperity and financial security; it can also, however, represent materialism in a greedy light. Ultimately, green is equilibrium -- the point of balance reached between the mind and the heart.

If green is your favorite color, it is likely that you are compassionate, practical, and generally drawn to nature. You are an open person who has a good sense of right and wrong.

5. Blue

Blue has contradictory meanings, sometimes representing honesty, insight, and loyalty, and other times revealing a deep sadness. Dark blue is favored in corporate America because it indicates intelligence and expertise, and light blue is used to invoke feelings of serenity and calmness. Blue is cold and slow when compared to red's heat and rapidity, and it is the number one favorite color.

If blue is your favorite color, it is likely that you are reliable and trustworthy. You are generally even-tempered, but when your emotions become imbalanced, they overtake you.

6. Purple

Purple is imagination, spirituality, and power. It assists in seeking the meaning of the life and holds promise of the future, while also able to indicate nostalgic and romantic feelings concerning the past. Violet is the daydreamer finding an escape from reality -- the color of chimera and fantasy. Additionally, it is very rare in nature, which is why it was expensive to use purple dye centuries ago during the development of civilization. This led to purple's association with royalty.

If purple is your favorite color, it is likely that you are sensitive to others' needs while your own emotions run deep. Others seek help from you because of your gentle, free spirit.

7. White

White is a pure, complete, and perfect color, although the absence of color in actuality. It is generally considered to have a positive connotation, with few negative symbols such as sterility and emptiness. White is a new beginning: the mournful ending of one life and the fresh start of another. Tied to its immaculate perfection is a representation of heaven, as angels are often imagined to be perpetually dressed in white.

If white is your favorite color, it is likely that cleanliness is very important to you. You have a wisdom about you that allows you to remain well-balanced and self-controlled.

8. Black

Black relates to secrets, the unknown, mysteriousness, and darkness. It is an engulfing color that exudes fear and intimidation while drawing attention to a negative, pessimistic point of view. Closely tied to white, black symbolizes the end, which is often followed by a new beginning; black precedes white when darkness is brought to light. This color exudes a distinct power, which might be why it is so heavily tied to the professional world.

If black is your favorite color, it is likely that you prioritize power and prestige over most other things. You generally keep people at a distance and wish to create an aura of mysteriousness or intrigue.

For more information, visit empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com.