I don't see the issue why it's so strange for a guy to have several girl friends. Now if you (as a guy) have only tried to date women instead of befriending them, then you're not focused on priorities, buddy. Sometimes if you just try and befriend a woman, you might not be so abruptly placed in the friend zone, but instead just be a friend, that makes their way from the friendzone to something a little more significant... Not to say that a guy should only have female friends, but female friends are essential for many reasons:
1) You get to see each other at your worst possible moment in life, and there's no judging because as a guy, you're their for a "big shoulder to cry on".
(this was not our worst possible moment, but it was a very trying day, I mean look at her hair... ;p)
2) You can fake and be each other's significant other when people try to hit on either of you. (The down side is when you're trying to hit on other people separately, they think that you're already a couple...)
3) Not only are girls very fashionable, but they can tell you when your not so great sense of style can use a little "assistance."
4) If you happen to befriend the ones who don't mind getting their hair wet and nails broken, you've found a keeper and she's considered, "one of the guys", so befriend her and befriend her quick because she's "got your back".
5) As long as you don't try and date their best girl friend, then there's hardly any drama (notice I said "hardly" because they'll always find something to be dramatic about).
6) And last but definitely not least, GIRLS ALWAYS KNOW THE RIGHT INSTAGRAM FILTERS TO USE! It's as though they were born with the innate ability to select "Ludwig, Mayfair, or Lo-fi" with ease.
All in all, female friends are essential to a male's life, not only a significant other, but as a friend as well. So next time you fellas are put in the friendzone, it might be a good thing...
From Mr. I have too many girl-friends,
K. M. Carter
P.S. There are some downsides to having girl friends, like the emotional breakups, the countless hours waiting for them to do hair and make-up, and their constant need to ask "how does my butt look?" but in the end, those lipstick obsessed fiends are worth it.
