[dirtbanker]

Graciegirl - You do not need a smart phone for that, you could communicate with people that are not there with your present flip phone via texting! If I was visiting with you, I am guessing I would be too busy listening to the stories (that were being shared) to text others ;-)

If you wish to justify owning and learning how to use a smart phone in a way that is not ignoring the people you are with: Last night I was watching Americas Got Talent with some friends at a nearby outdoor bar, a lady came on the show and sang Whitney Houston's "I will always love you"...I remembered it had been written by someone that most would not think of, but could not remember the persons name, so I asked the others if they knew who wrote the song and we all took a guess, and then I Googled for the answer. None of us were correct in our guess, but all did enjoy learning the correct answer. Another example is "Chromecast night" at that nearby outdoor bar; we all take turns sharing with others the funny videos we have found online (Chromecast is a USB doggle that is plugged into the TV and is able to project what you have on your smartphone onto the TV). I guess I am trying to point out; it is not the smartphone that is making the people rude...