AIM/other messengers: are they more like:
1) Like calling someone -- something you'd only send to close friends/people you've know a long time.
2) Like chatting with someone at a party -- something you'd just do with anyone you run into there
3) Something else.
Behind the cut I'll say why I'm asking.
I was skimming

I use IM/messenger services when I'm logged on and able to chat, and that is the ONLY times. (Okay, if a fun chat discussion is going on and I want to stay logged into a room, then too.) I mostly use IRC, on a private server with friends from college, and write on the linux mailserver, mostly with Dave. Whereas I check my email at least once an hour whenever I'm somewhere with access. Don't have a mobile solution, because I'm cheap. If I can get an AIM, I DEFINITELY have email up and set to beep at me.
And yes, I'm shy. The first few times I ventured into the PWDR chat took at least three or four generous shots of bourbon. I still have trouble booting up my fandom AIM address without a glass by my side, and I can think of three times total that I've had the nerve to send a private AIM re: fandom. It feels like a massive intrusion, even when I wouldn't mind people AIMing me. (Yes, I'm a shy hypocrite.)