In which Susan Walsh explains the female rationale behind s-tests:
Dream Puppy got exactly what she wanted in that exchange, which was to know that her husband could stand up to her emotions. She felt comforted, even relieved when he thwarted her attempt at control.
It’s a tremendously informative post. I would merely add one caveat and note that it is most, but not all, female histrionics are designed to test your masculine stoicism. In the event the woman concerned is legitimately psychologically fragile, it is important to learn to distinguish between normal dramatic posturings and when she is genuinely in the process of going off the deep end. If there is sufficient craziness indicating a clear and imminent threat to herself or others, even the alphiest alpha should feel free to not assume she is bluffing.