Can emotionally abusive relationships get better?

I believe that I am in an emotional abusive relationship. Me and my boyfriend have been together for nearly 2 years (I'm 20, he's 22). The relationship was quite crazy at times and he would try to control almost everything I do (with who I hang out, my hair and make-up, my clothes, restriction to social things like clubbing, etc.) and I have changed all of those things just to keep the peace. Now all that controlling behaviour has changed and he's so much more loving and nice to me. He's not sarcastic or insulting anymore and compliments me more. He cares alot more then he usually did and everything seems nice and much better then it was. I'm confused, why is this happening all of a sudden? I'm not complaining about him being more loveable, I appreciate it and I'm not so depressed about our relationship anymore... but I'm confused? Will he go back to being abusive again or has he changed for good?