My boyfriend (26M) and I (23F) have been together for 3 years and so far this year we've gone on at most 4 dates, one of which was his birthday celebration with family, and the others were at restaurants. Is this normal in a long-term relationship?

He's in college and working on a research project with a professor while I'm working and in postgraduate studies at the same university. Because of this, we see each other briefly about twice a week to have coffee. But is that enough? And if it is, is it normal?

About a month ago I complained to him that he doesn't ask about me anymore or invite me out, and since then, I've seen few changes. On the day I brought it up, he mentioned that he was short on time and that it wasn't just me he wasn't going out with but his friends as well. He said I was overthinking things, that he loves me very much, and that he's trying to be the best in every aspect for me and said he's terrified of losing me a thousand times.

He did start asking more about my day and what I've been up to but he only asked me out yesterday, and I couldn't go and wasn't even that excited. I'm always the one taking the initiative and I'm getting tired of it.

Since it's been a month since I brought it up, I imagine it's still a short amount of time, but is it worth trying to talk about it again?

TL;DR: We've been together for 3 years but only had 4 dates this year. We see each other briefly twice a week at college and he says he’s busy. I brought up my concerns a month ago, saw minor changes and I'm still the one initiating. Should I talk to him again?