What is the appropriate thing to do about these free bagels?

Is he cute?

1. I definitely think 3 bagels + cream cheese = 6 bagels with nothing on them.

2. If you feel you should be reciprocating, figure out some creative way to do so. What could you give him? No. I’m not talking about sexual favors.

3. Maybe he thinks you’re cute. Maybe he just wants to do something nice. Maybe he appreciates your business. You should ask!

4. I think that bagel guy is giving you bagels because he wants to, not because he feels like he has to. He could stop at any point in time and that would be okay because he’s the one giving you the free bagels in the first place. You shouldn’t expect anything except for what you pay for.. So yeah, I’m pretty sure he’s just doing it because he wants to and can.

He likes you.

He’s trying to get your attention.

He hopes you’ll do or say something. Maybe even “Thanks for the bagels.” That would start a conversation.

Maybe he dropped back down to three so he could work his way up again. Maybe he thinks you’re holding out for lox.

Are they plain bagels?

This is definitely an episode of “Seinfeld” that never got written. :)

Now, WWJD? (What would Jerry do?)

These are just guesses, but if it was me…

1) Lateral move, he’s just mixing it up hoping you’ll notice/mention it. You might think everyone gets free bagels, so he’s making it clear this is no baker’s dozen. You are indeed special because everyone knows cream cheese is the red rose of the bagel world.

2) Yes, how you do it completely depends on your situation and if you’re interested. But either strike up a conversation, slip him a gift card on the sly, or ask him out for coffee to repay the favor. (just ideas)

3) Again, just from my perspective, they mean “I put bagels in bags all day, it’s not the most stimulating gig in the world, but I appreciate your visits more than most. I don’t want you to think I’m creepy and stop coming here, I’m not that guy, but maybe we could move beyond ‘that’ll be $6.97’??”

4) No obligation, but he’ll probably stop eventually if it’s never acknowledged.

I’m half way joking on all, but basically in the correct spirit. He may just appreciate how you handle yourself and that you try to treat people right or he may have names picked out for your children. Tough to tell from just bagels ;)

Have fun.

@chyna: Sure, if you’re into naked lady tattoos and Brooklyn accents.

@Jeruba: Nope. Everything bagels. And scallion cream cheese. (My usual order is everything bagel + scallion cream cheese + tomato and a small coffee.)

“Everything” as in blueberries & onions & everything? And what kind does he give you?

Maybe he thinks you’re in a rut and he just wants to shake your world.
Maybe he thinks you’ll be more susceptible if you’re confused.
Maybe he is performing a magic spell. Better track those numbers and look for a pattern. Fibonacci bagels?

Is he related to the cake guy? ~

@Jeruba: Everything as in….

David Gussin of Queens says he invented the “everything” bagel sometime around 1980, when, in a stroke of inspiration, he married poppy seeds with sesame seeds, salt, onion and more. (From NPR.)

Example.

I hope the poor guy doesn’t get fired. Technically he’s stealing from his employer.

I would offer to pay for them.

I would say you need to clear the air and make sure you know why he is giving away the store and then politely decline any further freebies unless he owns the place and is simply giving away stuff he otherwise would be tossing out.

Since this is all happening so clandestinely….the slipping of the extra bagels….with nary a word…

I would take a piece of paper and write: “Why are you putting extra bagels in my bag every time I come here? I hope you will write out a response and put it in the next order.”

And then I would slip the paper across the counter. And wait to see next time if there is a response.

(You must update us on this….please, please.)

Yeah – I’m with Auggie; if he starts sending you cake, be careful. Otherwise, just take the bagels and run.