What is the proper thing to do when someone has added you to his or her buddy list?
Should one return the compliment and start a buddy list of their own? I don’t want to be rude.

I'm not sure, but I do know the word "buddy" does'nt belong, If you get my drift.

Test. I forgot to "log" in.

Do what you want and don't worry about hurting someone's feelings about buddy lists. Some people put me on their buddy list and IM me on AOL and I just ignore them if I don't really know them. It is kind of a nuisance in my opinion, and some people just don't get that you might be busy online and need to get something done and they want to chat at a time that might not be to great for you at the moment.

One should approach the "buddy" + gently stimulate conversation not related to computer subjects....once you have gained the individuals' confidence + he begins to relax, steer the verbal exchange to a hypothetical question concerning your mentioned topic of "buddy list". As he looks down at his shoes + begins to nervously shuffle, get him in a head lock + briskly rub your knuckles back + forth across the top of his noggin! If he struggles take him to the floor + explain to him that you want no part of his little game + that if you're not removed immediately you plan further retaliation...now is not the time to be understanding as if you don't settle this now he quite likely will end up moving next door! So rid yourself of this well meaning so called "friend" before he takes over your life....now back to stuffing that Christmas goose........