The mea noi comes into play when a marriage has deteriorated to the point of boredom, lacking in meaning or excitement, but a divorce is not appropriate. Many Thai marriages are "arranged" between families, and much may ride on the continuation of even a relatively small financial or social dynasty. Losing face with one's greater family can be the height of humiliation for a Thai man, so as long as the mea noi is an acceptable solution, the primary marriage can continue on, the children still have two parents and an intact home, but there are often no secrets about the mea noi, either.