A Note on Freebies

My name is Laura and I am addicted to freebies. There, I said it. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Ever since I lost my job and discovered this new world of couponing and deal hunting, I have become obsessed with the idea of getting as much stuff as possible for free. I'm trying not to let it rule my life, and I am trying even harder to resist getting something for free if I do not need it. Sometimes, I fail.
To this end, on Saturday I knew that there would be free lip gloss at Estee Lauder counters around the country. Did I need free lip gloss? No. But did I want some? Yes. Plus I was in the area of a store that was participating in the freebie, so I decided to stop in.
The store I went to is called Von Maur. I've never shopped there before and most likely won't again. I was expecting them to be upscale and snooty about it, and they lived up to my expectations!
When I arrived there was no one manning the Estee Lauder counter, so someone from another counter offered to help. When I told her I was there for the free lip gloss, the look of disdain was clear on her face. She had to ask another person about the offer, who first confirmed that they were near the register. Then, to her horror, when she asked what I'd be buying to get the lip gloss, I told her it was just supposed to be free. She looked incredulously at the other woman, who nodded her head with pursed lips. Begrudgingly she went behind the counter and got me my lip gloss, which I took and left with a smile.
It helps that I have no desire to ever shop at this store, otherwise I might have been embarrassed to be such a freebie junkie. Also, if an Estee Lauder representative had been at the counter, I would have been more apt to at least pretend to be interested in their product, but as that wasn't the case I didn't feel the need. I have a feeling I would have never done this in my old life (just about 2 months ago), but apparently living leaner can drive me to do formerly unspeakable things - like getting free samples without a purchase!