We all need to realize/remember that mehguy is 14 years old.
A lot of people who ask me about my cameras or engage in discussions about film with me are a fair bit older than that, and often used a lot of film in their past. So they have context that mehguy's "friend" probably lacks.
Generally, I would say that people are basically interested, even if they don't intend to go back to film themselves.
One of the things I like to highlight is that, at least in my area, there remains a reasonable selection of labs, and a few places to buy film.
In addition, I point out the relatively robust internet market for film.
In response to the question: "Why do you still shoot film?", I usually say that I have been doing so for more than 40 years, I enjoy it, I'm fairly decent at it and therefore really see little reason to change. I also like to tell people that the current films are wonderful - there have been excellent improvements in recent years, and although the selection has been reduced, there still is choice.
From time to time, someone also says something like: "You shoot film - you must be a good photographer".
I guess I'm just an agreeable sort.