Watch out now, quick takes!

I’ve been proofing for the last week, and I realized I hate any time I use the word ‘had.’
He had a smile on his face.
He had to go to the store.
He had liked cartoons when he was younger.
What is it about any use of that word that feels awkward or almost amateurish when I hear it? Maybe I’m focusing on it too much. I’m sure most readers breeze right past the word.

***

Writing a fantasy series, I’ve realized that lighting can be a major problem! My characters keep wandering into caves or abandoned dungeons—how are they supposed to see where they’re going? Even a scene outdoors at night can be a major issue. Yes, I know that I can give my characters torches. But those seem awfully smoky and hot and drippy—and just generally unpleasant. Plus—how long does a medieval torch last? I’m sure if I went back to old episodes of Xena or some other just-for-fun sword and sorcery show, there would be scenes where characters walk through moodily lit caves without addressing the fact that no one should be able to see anything.