288. (17) They are adopted in order to have one's flaws excused, and thus to avoid disgrace. Flaws which cause married partners to fear disgrace are of many kinds, some serious, some not so serious. By flaws we mean flaws of the mind and flaws of the body of less consequence than the impairments listed as reasons for separation in the previous chapter (nos. 252, 253). What we mean, therefore, are flaws which, because of their disgraceful nature, are kept quiet by the other partner. Besides these, in some cases there are inadvertent violations of the law, which would be subject to legal penalties if they were divulged. Also the loss of a man's sexual readiness, which is something men ordinarily pride themselves on. It is apparent without need of further substantiation that to have flaws of this kind excused in order to avoid disgrace is reason for a person's simulating love and friendship in his relations with his partner.