ABSTRACT
Talking about ‘problems’ and ‘anxieties’ is a delicate business. Jefferson, (1980, 1985) and Jefferson and Lee (1981) have described in a series of studies the fine interactional dynamics that people talking about troubles engage in. To depart from a ‘business as usual’ assumption in favour of talking about worries or anxieties requires skilful manoeuvring on the part of both the ‘troubles teller’ and the ‘troubles recipient’. It is hard to begin suddenly to tell our worries to other people. The teller and the potential recipient first need to give slight hints to each other about their willingness to engage in such talk; and only after proper preparations can the teller reveal his or her concerns. Even then there is the possibility of a mismatch between their expectations and activities. Talking seriously about isssues such as illness and death can be particularly difficult and delicate.
