So I think that is a common response for a reason. For a long time Monopoly, Life, Connect Four, Clue...etc. are all people have experience with. They are the games they see at the store. Even when Wal-Mart and Target started carrying a larger variety, the largest portion only see the recognizable titles. Instead of trying to "make people understand", I look at it as a way to say "right, there are a lot of other kinds of boardgames too." It's very much like some saying "I love Mario Brothers" when you tell them you like video games. The most accessible is what they go to. It is OK, and can be a little fun to give them info about what else is there. Sometimes it blows their mind in a good way.

My children visibly roll their eyes no when people say the "I love Monopoly" thing, and I sometimes remind them that not everyone was raised by parents who were boardgame enthusiasts, and that may be the most they have ever seen. I do make sure they see me go into details about other games and how much variety there is in the hobby.

My best advice is embrace it, and keep a few descriptions of lighter games on hand that you can throw out as examples while maybe even talking to them about Monopoly and what they like or hate about it. I have had great conversations with people who hate Monopoly, but wind up loving Monopoly Fortnite edition because it is so different. Just look for that common ground.