In Richard Ford's novel "The Sportswriter," the theme of friendship is examined through the lens of curiosity. The quote, "This is the only badge of true friendship I'm sure of: not to be curious," suggests that genuine friends respect each other's privacy and do not pry into personal matters. This notion emphasizes the importance of boundaries in relationships and the comfort that comes from trusting one another without needing to know every detail of each other's lives.

This perspective aligns with Ford's larger exploration of human connections, where understanding and acceptance play crucial roles. The idea that true friendship may involve a level of indifference to certain aspects of a friend's life serves to highlight the balance between closeness and autonomy. Ultimately, it reflects the depth of trust and respect that friends cultivate over time, creating a strong foundation upon which their relationship can thrive.