zOMG wer r u!?!?!?!?

Now hear this: Your friends don't need to know what your doing at all times. Instant messenger clients are for instant messaging, not letting everyone what your doing when your not at the computer. The "Away" feature was intended for someone who is going to be away from their computer for a short period of time. If your not messaging with someone log the hell off. If your friends get offended if you suddenly go somewhere without telling them, then you need new friends.
It may be hard to believe, but some people have social lives that don't revolve around the internet. That's not to say that the internet isn't a great tool for keeping in touch, but we have to draw the line somewhere. If you found your long lost friend on face-book, great! If you keep up with your old school friends via email, sweet deal. If you can't maintain meaningful contact with someone without a screen, then kindly unplug your router.
One final note: if your on a forum and someone is asking for help, don't post if you don't have anything useful to say. Your needlessly taking server space, that someone else is paying for.