For what it's worth, I have never once taken your silence in response to my "hi! how are you?" as a personal comment. I never expect anyone to be at their computer just 'cause the machine happens to be on.

That said, I'm always happy if you have a moment or two to chat. My gmail is on all the freakin' time, and sadly, sometimes I DO stare at it thinking, "maybe someone will talk to me!" Sad, but true.