Women do that as a way to gauge what's "acceptable". They don't want to order more food than the man or spend more money on their meal. If you go big ticket, they're going big ticket. If you order something small, they're going small.
It's odd. I've never once asked a women what she was getting to base my order off of her's. I always just get what I want.
But knowing this, I use it to my advantage.
Her: "What are you getting?"
Me: "Oh, just a turkey and cheese sandwich. I'm not that hungry."
Waiter: "Can I take your order"?
Me: "Go ahead honey." (Being courteous and all.)
Her: "I'll have the half sandwich/half soup special"
Waiter: "And you sir?"
Me: "I'll have the baby back Ribs with a baked potato fully loaded".
(Waiter leaves to put in the order).
Her: "I thought you were getting the turkey and cheese."
Me: "Oh, I changed my mind."
Her: "Well, If I would have known that....Hump!"
Me: :hihi: