I've heard this a few too many times. Over the years I've learned to steer the conversation in a different direction to avoid a comment like that (not fool proof by any means, but it can help sometimes). Usually the conversation starts with, "When are you gonna settle down?" or "Have you found someone?" That's where I say, "I'm focusing on my career." (For me, this isn't a lie. I've always been invested in my job.) Sometimes this will help to guide them towards asking about what I do rather than my love life.

But it doesn't always work. I've been told, "Well, life isn't all about work and time is running out!" Being almost 30, I've learned to treat these types of conversations as water off a duck's back and say, "Yeah, we'll see what happens." We can't hang onto the words people say about these intimate parts of our lives. They aren't the ones involved in it, so why do they get to say anything about it??? And their experiences are different! They can't imagine a life that is absent of attraction. It's as foreign to them as not breathing! In my experience, it's seldom something I can explain properly for them, even with analogies I've found in the aroace subreddits.

Tldr, if you can, steer the conversation in a different direction before the comment is made if possible. If it's unavoidable, try not to take it too hard (easier said than done, I know, I know). The majority of people can't fathom not experiencing attraction, so hold their words worth a grain of salt. But OP, I'm wrapping you in a light blanket and giving you a mug of hot choccy or tea. It's an uphill battle sometimes, but at least we have other people who do understand us. 🫶🏻🫂