Dear Abby: I am close to 60 years old and I’m terrified of the dentist. Every time I pick up the phone to make an appointment I get so anxious I feel like I’m going to die.

Do you think I will be able to find a caring, compassionate and nonjudgmental dentist?Sometimes I wish I could die instead of going to the dentist. Am I crazy?

Mrs. Anxiety in the U.S.A.

L Many people fear going to the dentist. However, there have been improvements in the field since you were a child — including sedation.

Good dental health is very important to our overall health, so please don’t put off any further making an appointment. Tell the person who is booking the appointment what your needs are, and if that dentist can’t accommodate you, ask for a referral to one who can.

Dear Abby: I have been a nanny for four families over the last 10 years. I am now working for a family of five. I don’t make a lot of money, but I enjoy what I do.

My problem is all the gift-buying I feel required to do — such as on the children’s birthdays, Christmas and the mom’s birth of more babies. My employer is expecting yet another baby this summer and her 3-year-old has another birthday coming up.

I’m tired of the gift-buying and really can’t afford to do it anymore. When the new baby is born, I am tempted to just say “Congratulations!” Any suggestions?

Gifted out

Yes. When the newest addition to the family arrives, give your employer a nice card. You should not be expected to come up with a gift. You are already giving these children loving and responsible care and that is gift enough.