Generally, the last hindrance to leave the mind is hatred. When it is gone, metta arises naturally. The void is filled with feelings of friendliness toward everyone. When you no longer push things away, you naturally feel close to everything. You feel positive toward everybody. Everybody is your friend.
According to Henepola Gunaratana in "Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English", hatred is often the final obstacle that needs to be overcome in one's mind. Once this negativity is removed, a natural sense of metta, or loving-kindness, emerges. This transformation fills the mental void with positive feelings towards all beings, suggesting that the absence of aversion fosters connection and warmth.
As one lets go of their tendency to reject or distance themselves from others, they inevitably cultivate a sense of closeness and friendliness. This shift in perspective leads to the realization that everyone can be perceived as a friend, promoting an atmosphere of positivity and acceptance in interpersonal relationships.
