No manners, or just a social convention?

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I've noticed that in supermarkets whenever free samples of food are given out, people tend not to say "Thank you" to the person who is giving them out (and sometimes cooking the food and slicing them into small pieces). They just walk by and quickly put the piece of food in their mouths.

Why do they do that? I almost always say thank you. Maybe I don't say it when the person is busy talking to another customer, but I don't see how its different from other situations when almost anyone would say thank you (like holding a door for you, or not even that, maybe just nudging the door as you walk by and the person behind you says it anyway).

So is it a social convention that you don't have to say thank you when getting free samples from supermarkets?

Excellent observation (imo) on the difference between when NTs and auties naturally say "thank you"..

I've also noticed that.

Redacted

Always say "Thank you!" when someone gives you something for free, especially if you accept it.

Yes, free samples are given by people trying to sell you something. You can still accept one, thank the giver and go on your way.

And yes, even "disinterested" people notice things like that. You never know who it might help to have like you when you need something later on. Besides, isn't it nice to be able to brighten someone's day?

Cheers!

Like Asplint said.

Sylkat

I can't figure it out either. I always say "thank you" to free samples.

I've noticed that too.
I always say "thank you" and I don't understand why this social situation is any different from others. People confuse me.

I think it's more a case of "I don't have time" than it is a social convention. People are always in a rush to finish what they're doing and move onto the next thing.

I noticed in areas where the population is smaller, people stop for polite conversation or a simple smile/thank you. It's mainly in cities with large populations that it's socially acceptable to be rude.

I would never take one of the samples because the free food is unanticipated and I just want to get through the anticipated stuff and get out of there. If I did, however, I'd be pleasant and say, "Thank you."

I say "no thanks" as I refuse the free sample.

Even if it's rude not to, it makes me wonder if the salesperson offering the sample is offended by it or not. The more people that take the samples (gratitude or not) the better they're doing their job and getting exposure for the product their offering.

I don't think the question is "Would they be offended if I didn't say thanks?". Because especially when they don't expect to hear a "Thank you", it's worth it. Or maybe they don't care or are irritated, but that shouldn't stop anyone to say thanks.

A friend of my mum's once said I shouldn't "help" the waiter if they come to collect the dirty dishes. You know, not hand the dishes to them, etc. She didn't say it because I shouldn't confuse the waiter, but because "that's not what you're supposed to do". I just thought, "This is the most arrogant thing ever" and left it. I actually got really pissed off because I was trying to be nice, "but no one asked for it". Whatever. ^^ The worst part of it was that she made it sound like, "Ugh, you're so naive, do you really think you should do something like that? That's not how things are DONE".

I just can't be impolite. Or rather... I have to show people my gratitude because, after all, they're providing a service and if they weren't there to do it, I'd have to do it myself. This world is difficult and cold enough already, so I'd rather say "thank you" than nothing.

I think free samples wouldn't be that extreme, but I still would say thank you, just for the sake of it. ^^