Links this week! Everything’s a bit relationship-y, but that probably has to do with Valentine’s Day more than anything.  Enjoy, anyway!

One Word – This little website gives you one word to write about.  You have a minute to do so. Great if you’re running out of material and need some inspiration or are going through dreaded writer’s block!  You can also read other entries.

Speaking Up is Hard to Do – Researchers Explain Why on WSJ: Ever felt like a total dummy in a group setting, even though you’re probably as smart as anything there? There’s a scientific reason for it.

The Power of Vulnerability: Brene Brown gives a really fantastic TED talk about the power of vulnerability – as part of a research study. She talks about “courage” as the ability to tell story with your whole heart. Really brilliant and worth a watch. Is vulnerability necessary? Are we willing?

How to Start the Big Project You’ve Been Putting Off on HBR:  I know there is more than one person out there that has had a big to-do on their list for a long time and haven’t managed to get it done. This article gets to the crux of why and how to get started.

Why Flexible Hours Inspire Performance on Inc. : Freelancers, you will hear this call. And for those who have read Timothy Ferriss, you’ll know that 9-5 doesn’t always mean productivity for the whole period of time. Also great because it takes into account when we’re at peak performance (I work best in the morning, not so much after 3 PM).

Making Your Presence Known on MoxyMag.com: Lookit! I wrote an article for Moxy Magazine!

Avoid Pain, Maximize Success: Listen to and Follow Your Instincts on Psychology Today: This article has some fantastic tips on how to follow your instincts. My mother will vouch that I have a very strong internal radar for pain, discomfort and danger. Sometimes it works against me. I particularly like the one about getting out of there if someone doesn’t quite hit the right note for you (Not to be mixed up with first-date jitters).

Why Romantic Love is Overrated in the G & M: I like this, partly because it’s funny, and partly because the large dose of cynicism. Nobody ever flocked to me in my 20s, so I expect this won’t change over the course of my life. But I do agree with her point of view: Hollywood has given us rather unhealthy expectations for romance. What do you think?

Marriage Suits Educated Women on NYT: Well finally, someone’s talking sense! Sort of on the same side of the coin as the previous, but perhaps with a little less acidity to it. Men, educated women make excellent partners.