Me and my boyfriend have been dating for a year and a half. He is not the most romantic, but he does remember dates (anniversary, birthdays, etc). He earns 4 times more than me as I am a student and have a part time job and he has a professional full time job. We see each other quite often as we live in the same neighbourhood. We barely ever go on dates, when we spend time together we are either at each other's houses or at the gym.
He is a respectful partner and is loving and caring. He does not buy me gifts or takes me out on many dates. May I also add the fact that he never buys his family any gifts for birthdays, or even holidays like Christmas, even though everybody in his family always buys him something.
We had a one year anniversary, and he didn't make an effort at all. He just texted me saying happy anniversary. I have bought him a gift, but he did not buy me anything, nor did he take me out. Fast forward to my birthday. My birthday came up a few weeks ago, and he didn't buy me anything, and didn't plan anything either. Not even a card. What makes it worse, is the fact that a few months in advance he would talk about my birthday, telling me that he is planning something, that he wants to do something with me for my birthday. Which got me excited. The day came and he came to pick me up after my lectures. He said happy birthday and said he is sorry but he hasn't got me anything. He dropped me home and we said goodbye, and I haven't seen him anymore that day. He had a day off work as well, so its not like he was busy. I thought he would at least have flowers and a card waiting in the car, or something at least. I thought because he is picking me up, he might drive me somewhere and surprise me. I don't expect much from him, but I appreciate when a partner is thoughtful, and would much rather prefer a thoughtful gift or date rather than an expensive gift or dinner at a luxurious restaurant. This has made me quite upset as it was a symbolic number birthday. A few weeks have passed and still nothing. A month later he got me a small gift which wasn't related to me at all and something I would not use. I thought this was not thoughtful at all. I said politely that I'm very grateful I asked if we can exchange it for a different gift as I want something I would make use of. He said we could, and after it was returned I suggested a few ideas but he hasn't bothered with it since. May I add that I have had his birthday all planned out and spent a lot of money on gifts, things that were personal to him and things I knew he'd love. So my question is, am I right about getting upset that he is neglecting big anniversaries?