Is Instant Messaging a free service on this site?

Yep, but the other party has to have their settings to accept.

OK, thanks for the info.

First, you must have YOUR 'Instant Messaging'
turned ON:
http://mingle2.com/user/enable_im

Then you would go to the profile of the person
with whom you wish to chat.

Under their picture there is an orange button
'Instant Message' which you would click on and
the request to Instant Message is sent.

If there is no orange button labeled 'Instant
Message' it could mean one of two things.

The person does NOT have 'Instant Messaging'
turned ON.
(In which case you could email them and request they
turn it ON.)

Or, the person is in 'Stealth Mode.'

Thank you very much!

You are welcome.

It can be fun, and only a 2-click sitch :-)

And free.