London: Even as actor Sanjay Dutt has been propogating 'Jaadu ki Jhappi' among Indian audience, a recent study has revealed that Britons have forgotten to embrace. Thanks to manic lifestyles and political correctness!

Psychologists are claiming that hectic modern life has killed the hug. People are either too nervous or too busy to cuddle their near and dear ones. Political correctness can be blamed as people are conditioned not to touch anyone any more for it can easily be deemed inappropriate.

A recent survey found that a third of people received no daily hugs, while three-quarters yearned to be hugged more than they were. Doctors believe everyone needs at least one cuddle a day to help them cope with the stresses of 21st century living. Manchester Metropolitan University psychologist David Holmes said, "There are situations where families aren't even in the same room as each other in the evenings any more because children are upstairs playing in their own rooms." "Young couples forget embracing each other because of long working hours and are busy when they get home," Daily Mail quoted him as saying.

The study also revealed that while the children received the majority of the hugs, the husband or wife often were left out. The number of hugs for children dropped off when they reached the age of 11 and upwards, until the age of 18 when the trend reverses. For parents, the period when the children have left home is going to be the most enjoyable because affection is then directed towards each other rather than the offspring.

Source : UNI