[6] Three days later, on March 9, she announced in an Instagram post that the song would also become the title of the album and that it was the result of "digging some creative catharsis during quarantine and getting ready to become a mother.

[8][9] During a guest appearance in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 11, Moore announced that she is going on a North American tour to promote the album beginning in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 10.

AllMusic gave the album a positive rating of three and a half stars and stated in its review: "Where its predecessor was filled with songs of rebirth and empowerment, In Real Life is gentler, concentrating on domestic warmth where the partners are healthy enough to know how to meet in the middle -- a compromise that becomes essential with a new baby entering the family.

"[4] It added, "It's a welcoming, cheery sound that matches Moore's optimism, but it's hard not to wish there was an occasional loose end or ragged fringe.

"[4] Writing for Riff Magazine, Mike DeWald said of the album: "In Real Life showcases Moore's growth and maturity as both a songwriter and performer.