If you perceive there is sufficient trust and interest in engaging in some kind of debate, sure, consider it. Debate, in its many forms, can have many advantage

If you perceive there is sufficient trust and interest in engaging in some kind of debate, sure, consider it. Debate, in its many forms, can have many advantages, but it is not categorically preferable. Also consider all your other options: pure listening, mutual bonding, offering emotional support, even walking away (from a no-win situation). If / when debate falls apart, there are many options to reconnect.