The Yellow Temperament with Kathleen Edelman

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” - Proverbs 17:22

As we wrap up our series on the temperaments and how they impact our financial decisions, we’re turning the tables a bit. Today, Kathleen Edelman—who’s been our guide through this journey—is taking the host seat to interview Rob West about the Yellow temperament.

Kathleen Edelman is the author of I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication. She is certified in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over 30 years coaching clients in the art of effective communication.

What Is the Yellow Temperament?

The yellow temperament, known as sanguine, is characterized by high energy, optimism, and a deep desire for connection. Yellows are extroverted and people-oriented, speaking the language of fun and relationships. They often bring joy, inspiration, and laughter into every environment they enter. However, they also face challenges, particularly in areas such as focus, follow-through, and impulse control.

Historically rooted in the work of Hippocrates, the four temperaments offer a timeless framework for understanding how people are wired to think, speak, and listen. The yellow temperament is one of four:

• Red (Choleric): Task-oriented extroverts, driven by power and control.
• Blue (Melancholic): Task-oriented introverts, focused on perfection and order.
• Green (Phlegmatic): People-oriented introverts, seeking calm and harmony.
• Yellow (Sanguine): People-oriented extroverts, motivated by fun and connection.

How Yellows Communicate and Relate

Yellows are often described as the life of the party—fun, inspiring, and full of energy. They thrive on being liked, included, and appreciated. They tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves and use charm, humor, and emotional connection to relate to others.

Their innate needs include:

• Approval – being accepted for who they are.
• Acceptance – feeling included and invited.
• Attention – being given full focus and eye contact.
• Affection – being acknowledged and appreciated.

When these needs are met, yellows radiate joy and creativity. But when unmet, they may seek attention in unhealthy ways or rely on charm to mask insecurity. Understanding these tendencies can help others relate to yellows with empathy and intention—and help yellows themselves pursue healthy, life-giving connections.

Financial Habits of the Yellow Temperament

When it comes to money, yellows tend to view finances through the lens of spontaneity and enjoyment. They view money as a means to create experiences, give generously, and make memories with others. However, their optimism and impulsiveness can lead to overspending or a lack of strategic planning.

Some common financial tendencies of yellows include:

• Generosity is driven by emotion rather than strategy.
• Difficulty sticking to strict budgets or long-term plans.
• A tendency to avoid hard money conversations, especially if there's potential for conflict or disapproval.
• Using money to strengthen relationships and bring joy.

To thrive financially, yellows benefit from tools that provide structure without feeling restrictive, such as flexible budgeting systems, automated savings, or labeled cash envelopes tied to experiences (e.g., “Dinner with Friends”). Framing financial stewardship in terms of purpose, joy, and relational impact helps them stay engaged and motivated.

Communication and Stewardship

In conversations—especially around finances—yellows respond best to positive framing and shared vision. They may avoid spreadsheets or conflict, but they are quick to dream, encourage, and cast vision. When invited into planning that includes moments of celebration or generosity, they are more likely to stay committed.

In leadership or ministry settings, yellows often bring energy and hope to conversations. They are natural encouragers and communicators, able to uplift others with genuine warmth and presence. However, they may need accountability partners or systems to help with follow-through and details.

Understanding their own temperament also enables yellows to listen more intentionally. With tools like Edelman’s workbook, they can better identify the temperaments of others and respond in ways that build connection and clarity, both at work and at home.

The yellow temperament is a vibrant and life-giving expression of God’s creative design. While yellows may struggle with structure and impulse, they bring essential gifts of joy, vision, and generosity. With the right tools and a deeper s