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It's no secret that people who have more sex are happier than those who rarely get lucky in the bedroom.

But, while you might think it’s obvious why, new research suggests another theory.

You’d be forgiven for thinking it was the joy of an orgasm that made those regularly getting laid happier — but scientists have discovered that’s not the whole answer.

While sex does make us happier, it is actually the post-coital cuddling that does the trick, rather than reaching climax itself.

A new study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, discovered that signs of affection and casual chatting was responsible for long-term happiness.

Psychologists in Canada and Switzerland looked beyond the bliss that orgasm brings to the expressions of affection both during and after sex.

It means couples who have sex even just once a week were happier, reports the British Psychological Society.

They surveyed 335 people who were in a relationship and asked them how often they had sex.

They were also quizzed on how much affection, such as hugging and kissing, was shown in their relationship.

And researchers asked them to rate their life satisfaction and how often they experienced joy and happiness.

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