Grumpiness is so subjective.

There is no recompense from being called grumpy…”you’re so grumpy”

“No I’m not”
“Yes you are I can tell by the tone of your voice… You sound so grumpy right now…”
“Nope, I’m definitely not grumpy, not even really sure why you are calling me grumpy”
“Now you’re just being defensive”

Oh no, the defensive call, I’m not even being defensive, or maybe I am? I don’t think I’m grumpy, I don’t even think I’m defensive

There is no where to go from here, first you are grump, then you are defensive. Each of these statements are killer tools in an argumentative arsenal, make the defensive call and any defence supports the grumpy observation.

Perhaps you are grumpy or alternatively, perhaps you are not grumpy and the critic is simply projecting, they are grumpy and because of their inner grump have heightened sensitivity to other people grumpiness.

Are you aware of your affect on other people, of how you are interacting, responding, your thoughts, feelings actions and emotions? Are you present, right now?