What's his deal. some help?

my boyfriend of 8months...Hes been through a lot. I went through it with him. Lets start before we started dating. He told me i was pretty every now and then, tell me sweet things. His sister died a month after we started talking. He was very distant to the point he pushed me away, but I remained by his side to support him. we got passed that. 4 months later we started dating. He was still very sweet and what not. but now hes getting kinda of reclusive with his feelings. He doesn't say the things he used to say. I really do like him alot. And i'm willing to stick with him. I just want some opinions as to why the cold all of a sudden. he won't tell me how he feels about me even when i ask. Kinda worrisome, but a lot of people say thats normal. I dont know what normal is.