I don't think it's that unusual for people not to like nipple play... it's another thing that's probably been hyped up by adult media and stuff... Be honest... No one can know you don't like it if you don't tell them. Besides, I think any man that dumps you over not being able to muck around with your nipples probably isn't the right guy. Everyone likes different things and any guy will just have to learn to read your body and not some generic female idea.

If he's interested in breasts and you don't mind the rest of your breast being touched then perhaps tell him that that is ok rather than making it seem like the whole area is a no-go zone.

I wonder if some of it might be in the wording as well? I don't know how to advise saying it though...

And as for your last question, I don't see nipples as exciting at all. If anything, kinda painful.