If you ever wonder why relationship does not work, it is because your dating the wrong guy. Yes, you need redemption.
1) He is certainly the wrong boyfriend if he can't put the time or the effort for you. Everyone needs alone time but if they can't spend the time with you on your birthday or special day because he need to hangout with he’s friends, than you caught yourself a jerk. Throw him away!
2) He is not the one for you if he can't keep promises. Promise is an oath and if he can’t keep an oath than he is a liar. Like stop promising things if you can't keep it. Find a guy who is willing to travel from Chicago to New York just to see you for an hour
3) He is a douche bag, if everything is about him. Do you do everything for him? Do you follow his schedule and often let him decide when to hangout? I understand if he has job but always following his scheduling and always being late to the date is simply a no no.