How to 'soften' pics in photoshop cs2?

[zixxer]

I have some pics that were taken in fairly low light, at close range, with flash. Any tips for easily "softening" them?

 

[corkyg]

Use the same tool for sharpening in reverse, i.e., unsharpen. Lessening contrast can also help.

 

[xtknight]

Gaussian blur

 

[episodic]

Ok

Open image
Press control j to copy the image to a new layer
Select this new layer
Press control alt ~ (press control alt and tilde at the same time)
This selects the 'highlights' you mention and leaves the midtones and dark alone.
Press control j again to copy the selected highlights to a new layer
Select this new layer
Apply a gaussian blur to the highlighted layer to suit your preferences.