The easiest way to build relationship to another Steemian was Upvoting and consistent commenting on their Posts

Well it can't be called a real relationship but to make steemians comfortable with you was to continue supporting their posts.

They surely will be comfortable to making interaction with you and upvoting your posts.

They even will be comfortable with making comments on your posts until you two will also talk in the discord

So i think supporting them will surely make a good impression and relationship to them