I think some people are attracted to negative folks. I'm not sure why. But, for those who are, your not being that way anymore is sort of like breaking the role they expect you to play. Even family members sometimes try to force people back into a negative, "sick" role and don't like the fact that they are changing one bit.

I think true, healthier friends will stick with you, and you are likely to start attracting healthier people. That's my opinion, anyway.