No, please dont give up. Most women don't hit their sexual peak until their 30's. And its not as weird as you may think that you havent gotten there yet-i know others in the same boat as you. What I find very helpful is to read a book or in cosmopolitan they usually have a really sexy exerpt in the back of the magazine that always gets me there. Men are usually visual creatures who prefer to look at or watch pornos-i guess I like to read pornos. You are right about the plateau, sometimes it is very hard to get to the next one. Maybe your subconscious wont let you because it is afraid of your body losing control. You just have to relax. Think only about how good it feels and how good it will feel once you are there. A vibrator is a great idea, because it really helps you to relax and it does all the work. Another thing you can do is to experiment with your breathing. The way you breathe is an important part in getting there. If I am having a hard time, I just hold my breath for a little bit and it never fails. I dont think a lot of people know about that, but ask any sex expert and they will tell you. It might be good for you to try this all alone, so there is no pressure, but if you dont get a chance, remember dont be afraid to touch yourself in front of him. Guys like it and it turns them on. No guy has ever gotten me off all by themselves except for my current boyfriend of 3 years a couple of times, and man-he was down there for a loooooooong time. You can also use a vibrator when you are having sex. When I am having a hard time, I just ask my boyfriend to grab my toy, and it really takes the pressure off. When he gets you close is he using his fingers, tongue, or are you having sex? Because if he is using his fingers or toungue and you start shaking-he may be going too fast, and thats when you should take over and go a little slower maybe. If you hold your breath at that point you may find that you stop shaking so much and it will feel better-not so much like a hurdle. Also you should start being honest with him as to when you arent having an orgasm. Just try to stick to the mentality that if you dont get there, oh well, and that should take some pressure off too. Just explain to him that it is not his fault. I didnt orgasm with my boyfriend at first until I realized that if I want it then I have to try for it, and now I have an orgasm every time. I hope some or all of this helped. Please write and let me know. You can also pm me anytime you want if you'd rather.