He gave me the silent treatment for 2 weeks, and now he’s calling me every day. I don’t know how to feel.

I (22F) have been with this guy (26M) for 3 years. We’re in a long-distance relationship. Our last argument happened on my birthday — I was out celebrating with my girlfriends and told him I’d call once I got home. He got upset because I didn’t answer his calls, and then he ignored mine afterward. So I gave him the same energy and stopped trying.

The day before that, I told him I was really disappointed that he didn’t get me a birthday gift — for the second year in a row. Last year he blamed the distance, and this year it happened again.
I was (and still am) deeply disappointed.

It’s been about two months now. He’s been calling and texting me almost every single day. I haven’t replied, but it’s getting really hard to stay strong. I still have feelings for him, even though I know the relationship often fell short of my emotional needs and expectations.

He recently sent me a message saying:
“Please answer me. Just listen to me, even if you don’t want to talk. Just don’t hate me.”

I feel confused.
Sometimes I feel like I truly deserve better. He didn’t put in the effort to meet me halfway — or maybe he just chose to stay stuck doing less than the bare minimum.
But other times, I feel like I’m being unfair… like I chose myself too soon and was selfish for walking away.
Part of me misses him deeply, but another part knows I deserve better communication and emotional maturity.

Has anyone been through something similar? Should I respond to him or keep the distance? How do you know when it’s truly time to let go, even if love is still there?

*TL;DR:
Long-distance relationship of 3 years. He gave me silent treatment after as a punishment, but now calls me daily. I still have feelings, but I’m not sure if I’m being unfair or just finally choosing myself. Not sure if I should respond or move on.