How do you react when someone isn't interested in the thing you're interested in?

I've noticed a few bad interactions happen this way, one was between friends, the other between a boyfriend and girlfriend, but they both went the same way:

One person really cares about something, an issue, a current event, something in their life, they're passionate about it, they like to talk about it. And the other person they're talking to has kind of a tepid response. They don't know anything about the issue, they don't really care, their reaction is "meh". Then the other person gets angry and heated and outraged that the other person doesn't care or isn't interested.

How do YOU react in this situation? What would be a better way to handle someone's lukewarm response to something you're passionate about?

I've seen this happen twice now, and I can't believe it's such a common cause of friction in friendships and relationships.

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hartfire

I usually chat with people about whatever they are interested in - except for a few subjects like sports and mechanics - at which point I'll gently find a way to move off and chat with someone else.
If I don't agree, I'll test the waters to see if they can handle a discussion of differences and the reasons.
If they can't handle it, I'll focus on asking about how they came to that view or interest and what it means for them.

If someone is not interested in something I love, I shift the focus immediately to what interests them.

It's a common problem. I've rarely met anyone interested in as wide a range of topics as I am. Most people are happy to talk about themselves. It makes me wonder - maybe that's the norm.