- Open My profile → uncheck “Show me in the member directory”.
- Optional: add a return date (we reopen you that day) and a short note for people who visit your profile.
- Save. New swap requests stop. Swaps you already accepted keep going.
- Check the box again anytime to come back — or wait for the return date.
Paused members stay signed in. Favorites and penpals can still open your profile and see the pause note. Hosts see paused mailboxes on Admin. People who favorited you get an alert when you reopen, including when a return date hits.