Emotional Fitness

Harness the power of emotion to deepen your love with your partner, become more successful at work, and more.

Barton Goldsmith, Ph. D. is a psychotherapist, a columnist and radio host, and a speaker. His latest book is Emotional Fitness for Intimacy. See full bio

November 17, 2009

Ten Things to Be Thankful For

As Thanksgiving approaches, I think it's important to take a gratitude inventory. A number of things in life can make us uncomfortable or even a little miffed. But sometimes they are gifts in disguise. With that in mind, here are my top ten things to be thankful for. Read More

November 10, 2009

The One Night Vacation

One of my favorite old Gary Cooper movies is "Friendly Persuasion." After a minor spat, the protagonist and his wife end up spending the night in their barn (and away from the kids). As they are walking back to the house the next morning, he asks, "Can we go back there again sometime?" She just looks at him and smiles as she pulls a piece of straw from his shirt. Read More

November 3, 2009

10 Ways Couples Can Work It Out

The Beatles were still in their twenties when they wrote "We Can Work It Out," but somehow they understood that even though resolving issues can be hard, it is better than trashing a relationship, job or friendship. Here are ten tips to help you work things out.

October 26, 2009

Intimacy Makes Us Vulnerable

Intimacy, by its very nature, requires us to be vulnerable. Our partner, lover, or mate can know us to our very core, sometimes better than we know ourselves, and that can make any of us feel totally exposed. Intimacy can be intimidating. However, it is an amazingly freeing experience when you can be completely who you are with someone you totally trust. Read More

October 20, 2009

10 Ways to Save Some Money and Get Closer with Your Honey

Everyone is trying to save a little money these days, and I think doing so can make you feel better about yourself and your partner. Here are some tips to help you save a little green, get a little closer, and grow a little self-esteem in the process. Read More

October 16, 2009

When the One You Love Gets a Serious Illness

The diagnosis of a serious illness hits you and your loved ones like a fist to your heart. Shock and denial are a common initial response. Then the reality sinks in. There are going to be more tests, many more. Surgery could be part of the process as well. Read More

October 12, 2009

10 Simple Tools to Help You Find Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not a panacea. It won't make things the way they were, but it can make the days ahead better. The tips below will help you to forgive actions that have caused damage to your relationship. Read More

October 9, 2009

10 Tools to Create and Maintain Job Satisfaction

Webster describes satisfaction as; a fulfillment of a need or want and the quality or state of being. If you are not feeling satisfied in your job, these ten tips will help you achieve that very important goal. Read More

October 3, 2009

10 Tools To Help You Try Harder At Love

Remember the Avis car rentals advertisement, "We're number 2.We try harder"? For those whose relationships (personal or professional) are in trouble, trying a little harder may be the answer. Here are ten tools that I have seen numerous pairs use to tune each other up and keep their love lives on the road to happiness. Read More

September 25, 2009

10 Tools to Deal with Difficult Conversations

The only way to appropriately handle conflict is to actually deal with it. Most people avoid difficult conversations with loved ones because it makes them feel uncomfortable. Unfortunately, if you avoid dealing with a troublesome situation, you're actually prolonging the agony and may be creating some resentment. Here are my top ten tips for easing into and having a successful conversation about a difficult topic. Read More

Books by Dr Barton Goldsmith

Emotional Fitness for Intimacy: Sweeten and Deepen Your Love in Only 10 Minutes a Day

Emotional Fitness for Couples: 10 Minutes a Day to a Better Relationship

Emotional Fitness at Work: 6 Strategic Steps to Success Using the Power of Emotion

Self-Help Basics

Most of us have things about ourselves we wish we could improve. Lasting change is difficult—many of our habits are deeply ingrained, and certain aspects of ourselves, such as core personality attributes, may be immutable. But many more things can be changed.

Go to the Self-Help Basics page for more on Self-Help including:

Current Issue

Everyday Creativity

How to start living creatively and reap the benefits.

Subscribe to Emotional Fitness

Books by Dr Barton Goldsmith

Self-Help Basics

Current Issue