To reveal or conceal your Idle status:

1. Click the "Messenger" menu in Yahoo! Messenger and select "Preferences."
2. Click the "Privacy" category.
3. Locate the "Idle Status" section.
4. Choose whether you want to be shown as "Idle" after a period of time or never be shown as "Idle."
5. Click the "OK" button at the bottom of the window.