No, you don't have to bear it. You know how to stop it. The question is, are you willing to do it?

It's too bad that their sisters put up with it, because they should be the ones to nip this stuff in the bud, not you. I can't believe no one speaks up when they say this crap to you (and, I assume, to any female cousins you have). What about your dad? Is he around when these things are said? Does he tell them to knock it off? I would, if you were my kid.

I have to ask, though: is it possible you are being a little sensitive? Since no one else seems to have a problem with what they are saying, could it be that the things they're saying aren't meant the way you think they are? Something to consider, that's all. I'm not defending them.

If you don't want to bear it anymore, you'll have to say something to them the next time it happens. Yes, it will be awkward, but it's already awkward, so what's the difference? You might be the only one in the family with the guts to stand up to these clods. Everyone might applaud you when you do. Or, the room might go silent, cold and tense. That's a chance you take when you speak up.

Could you pull the uncles aside and privately ask them to stop making these remarks? That would be less awkward than blurting out a protest at the dinner table and embarrassing them--even though they deserve to be embarrassed.

Another option is to avoid future family get-togethers, which sucks for you if there are other family members that you enjoy seeing regularly.

The final option is to say nothing and keep taking it, but clearly you are tired of the comments and something needs to change.

My advice is to talk to your parents about it and see what they suggest. These guys are their brothers, so they might have a better idea of how to handle them. If you can't or don't want to involve your folks, then you'll simply have to decide yourself how to proceed without one easy, clear option.

Thanks for the question.