Hey all,
Thanks so much for the responses. It's both reassuring and a bit sad to hear that this seems to be so much a common occurrence. I, personally, have always hated IM. We only do it because so many people seem to insist on it.
The funny thing about technology is that the more connected we get, the more disconnected I seem to feel. I can't imagine having endless snail-mail or phone conversations.
I think it might be time to take the advice you all are giving and cut the IM cord.
Cheers,
~Mike