[snarf21]

I think it is a function of building up the concepts.

You might teach someone how to play Hearts which is pretty rules light. But once they understand that, other trick taking games already have a head start.

Another approach is to start with something where the rules are things on the cards so you learn them as you go. Sushi Go would be a good example of something like this and pretty approachable to start out.

Another good suggestion is something like No Thanks! Over time, people start to see that a new game doesn't have to be onerous. Slowly learning concepts like drafting and discards and tricks and whatever, makes it easy to introduce further games because it becomes "This is just like Game X but with new rule Y."