you state:
“Can’t this woman go anywhere without ‘checking’ her email? Get a damned smart phone or blackberry is what I say.”
the author is a thirty-year friend of the family and therefore the family did not think it rude for such a simple request to be made of them.
other situations may unfold differently in other households, etc.
I don’t think it’s so strange, but do think it’s invasive to use another’s computer. Except he or she is like family, so I suppose that’s the difference.
I had a “friend” come over one time and use my computer, and access porn sites. No more!