My GF (F24) Often Forgets About Me (M24). What Can I Do?

I’m in a long-distance relationship with my girlfriend who’s doing a PhD abroad. She started 1 year ago and the problem is, I’m starting to feel like I’m always the one putting in the effort, and my emotional needs aren’t being met.

Yesterday, she forgot my birthday. She said she messed up the dates and that she’s super busy with her PhD. Last year, she wished me a happy birthday only in the night because she went somewhere and forgot to charge her phone. She promised it wouldn’t happen again, but here we are. Things like this happen a lot. Like she forgets when I have exams and some more. Whenever things like this happen, she cries, says she’s stressed, and apologizes, but nothing really changes. I’m trying to be understanding, but I’m starting to feel like I’m being put on the back burner.

I see her only every two months, and I spend a lot of money on plane tickets, which is hard for me since I’m finishing my own degree. I just want to feel loved. Love isn’t just saying “I love you”, it’s about showing it, and right now, I don’t feel that. We almost don't have physical touch and things like this are the only things that we could get.

I really love her, and we’ve been together since 2018. I want this to work, but it feels like I’m the only one trying. She says I do a lot because I’m always planning trips or things to do, like games to play and ways to spend time together. And yeah, maybe I can be a little obsessive at times, but I don’t want her to be just like me. I just want her to remember important things and give me more attention. To be honest she calls me every day, but sometimes I feel like thats becausee she is waiting for laundry or eating. She’ll be abroad for the next three years, and I really need some advice on how to handle this situation.

Thanks in advance.