Im not getting IMs from people not on my friends list... Even when I message them first

[Syndee Greymyst]

 it has be happening  for some time now... even when i message them first it will show that they're typing...but i get nothing

Concidering i am a dancer its quite inconviniant. most people that have been having this problem have email enabled.. I however don't.so i can only asume that they get the same message...I have yet to find a solution to fix it... i went threw my preferences and every thing is in order.. its even stated in my profile...( im begining to think no one reads them.)....  any help i can get would be great.. thank you!

[Trix Braveheart]

It's a setting in Preferences. Look for one that indicates "Only friends and groups can call or IM me