Though I still want(ed) or need(ed) things, things that that money could buy, I was/am happy to give it.
I hate to say it, but I think you've hit upon what drives a lot of the "anti-tithing" mentality.
People justify not tithing so that they can spend it on themselves. "It's MY money, I'll do what I like with it. Maybe I'll give some or maybe I won't."
Completely unscriptural and ungodly attitude. God says that it is ALL His - we merely have what we have on stewardship.