[m24] [f23]

My partner is very passionate about MMA and trains with his best friend, who lives two hours away. He usually leaves after 4 PM to arrive by 6 PM for their training sessions, which typically last 2-3 hours. He enjoys other activities, like playing video games, while he’s there and has his own room, so he feels fairly comfortable (he doesn’t particularly like coming home). Here's the situation: we’re essentially drifting apart because he wants to train three times a week. I’m completely fine with that and even encourage him to go five times if it makes him happy. However, he insists on staying overnight at his friend’s house after training due to the long drive home. To break it down, if he arrives for training at 6 PM and trains for 2-3 hours, let’s say he leaves around 10 PM (plus an extra hour just to be safe). That puts him getting home around 12:30-1 AM. He normally stays up until 2:30 AM and often complains about needing more sleep—he usually stays up late to read or play games. But that late hour makes it unsafe for him to drive back to me. My question is, would you be okay with your partner spending three nights away from you? Personally, if it were work-related, I'd be more understanding, but since this is just a hobby, I feel differently. He has local options to train during the week and can spend time with his friend on weekends, yet he prefers to stay at his friend's place during the week. We’ve been together for two years and rarely spend nights apart; when he’s away, he barely communicates—no texts, no calls, and little attention. I understand he’s busy with his friend and gaming, but not even a quick message? I’m unsure how to handle this situation. I don’t have many friends to discuss it with, and my family tends to be biased. I’m just seeking some outside opinions.