I don't know what it is about men, but they take whatever you say and then apply it in the most literal, oversimplified way possible. Whether it's instructions that they don't quite understand or when they reply to "do you want chicken or beef for dinner?" with a simple "yes," it seems to be a common problem. At best, it's cute. At worst, it's downright infuriating.
For the poor women forever shackled to their lovable little numbskulls, the only thing they can really do is laugh about it.