I will usually take a free sample of something in a cup or on a toothpick, but never more than one; and, more often than not, if said sample is being offered in a grocery store, I will actually buy the product (and, in a pathetic bid to prove to the sample ladies that I am not a grubby freeloader), wave the box at them and smile hugely, as if to say, "MMMM! That was so good! Look! You sold one! I hope you get a commission, eh? Your work is not in vain! Even though I'm sure you HATE standing there all day long chopping up stamp-sized bites of quiche and trying, yet failing miserably, to show some enthusiasm for the product!"

Or words to that effect.

If something was just lying out in the open, and I suspected people of pawing through them to find what they want? Just eewww. Ack-pfflt.

Apparently phentermine's opinion is that taking more than one sample is OK. Although taking more than one sample of what he is peddling might cause one problems (not me.. but that is beside the point).

That being said... one is more than enough. And if they don't have a little paper cup or individual napkin with it... you should skip taking one altogether.

Germs. Ick.

i ate an entire lemon meringue pie last week.

i know that's not the question in question, but i had a really, really good time.

Do you know the muffin man? The one on Druery Lane? He doesn't give out free samples. Something to do with an old pedophilia case in Glouchester. Go figure.

I hate free samples when they aren't protected from grubby, unwashed fingers. When they're offered in little cups, like a smoothie sample, or adorned with tacky plastic-tipped toothpicks, like chicken teriyaki, I'm more willing to partake of the complimentary handout. Either way, free samples hold a less than favorable position with me.

While human "freebies" are not "up my alley," I've been known to snatch free samples of dog and cat food (for my pets, of course).

Depends on the size of the sample item and how many of them there are on display. So I think a person could take one of these. I wouldn't take any. I'm not a freebie eater because I don't want to appear that I can't afford to buy the whole thing. Weird. I know.

So... I'm sitting here, ham-fisted with smears of faux blueberry filling from my latest muffin conquest smeared across my otherwise pristine yet still surprisingly gluttonous face, typing sticky fingered in reply to what I consider an assault on my lifestyle.

Yes, I take free muffin samples when offered. And yes, I often take more than one. In fact, I usually run up and dump the entire tray into an empty shopping bag before sprinting away into the ethereal human traffic that is New York City.

But so what? Are those muffins not being offered for my enjoyment? Would those poor little muffin pieces not have any purpose whatsoever were I not to lovingly take them and fulfill their delectable destiny? As seen here, no one seems to like to partake of these poor, soulless little morsels. If not for me, would they not end up tossed aside by society, left on the giant banished breads stockpile to be nibbled at by rats and the occasional out-of-work and down-on-his-luck ex-Republican Senator?

Nay! Nay say I! I am not a greedy and overstuffed buffoon snapping up tantalizingly tasty tidbits in some vain attempt to curb my ever-increasing appetite and/or waistline. Nor am I trying to elude the practice of paying for such delicacies by deftly darting to and fro between and betwixt the various kindly establishments offering me such free booty. If they did not want me to partake of the bountiful harvest they have placed at my feet, and rightly at no cost to me, they would not offer such daily. I am merely performing a public service by removing the temptations of indulgence and sloth from public view.

And if in so doing I happen to taste the sweet, sweet effervescence of a perfectly-portioned soda-bread-with-macadamia-nuts muffin, then that is a price I am willing to pay to keep society at large safe and wholesome.

I wouldn't have to do it at all if you'd all get off of your skinny asses and help.

i really wouldn't know. i don't take free samples. as many of us know, that is the product that the "elves" made that first hit the floor.

You take one. I'm not even sure if I'd consider it acceptable for you to take a second and instantly pop it into the mouth of your significant other - I think that etiquette dictates that they should pick up their own.

I went into a posh chocolate shop yesterday and spent some money. Strangely enough, after they had actually taken my money, they got out the free samples and offered me one. I guess it was intended as a "Thank you" rather than a "Go on, buy our wares."

as someonme who used to make a linch on the samples given out at the hickory farms at the mall, i will go with the census and say take one because they are free, and two if you REALLY REALLY think you might buy it- just to be sure it is tasty. walking the food court circuit for free food samples like you are a senior citizen into race walking is just uncool.

we do have the heart association benefit around valentine's day where you pay $15.00 and get super sized samples at the mall, and they encourage the use of baggies and tupperware. you have to present the card to get it stamped to prove you contributed, and there are always a few evil miscreants trying to get over and get a free sample. there is just something about free food that brings out the deserving devil in all of us.

I would say that it's OK to take one or maybe two samples if, indeed, you are actually open to purchasing someting from the Gigi Cafe.

I would take a sample if I had yet to find a delightful baked breakfast item, and, based on the response of my taste-buds, may then PURCHASE a muffin.

But to grab samples willy-nilly is uncalled for.

In high school I dated this guy who would take me to the food court for lunch. He wouldn't buy anything though. He would just pass by every person handing out free samples and get two of everything, one for him and one for me. At the time I thought it was kind of cute and romantic but now I realize it was gross!