While you're at it, text Miss Manners

I still remember the feeling of surprise and dismay on the first occasion that a friend began scrolling through her smartphone while we were in the middle of a conversation.

It was about eight years ago, and we were at the beach. As I recall, we were standing facing one another on the dry sand, a short distance from the shallow surf where our children were frisking. I don’t remember the topic, but it was my turn to speak and I was gaily chatting away when my companion pulled a BlackBerry out of the pocket of her shorts and began studying it.