What's the TRP consensus about occasionally letting a girl open up to you?

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To provide context; I'm at Uni and got a friend who I used to have a thing with before

but now just attend some events together and share part of a social circle. She sometimes

wants to open up to me and I'm not sure how to respond. Always deflect like I would with someone I just met? Some of you say it creates a deeper connection while some say to never do it. Does it differ with friend with benefits, plate, LTR?

Keep in mind that I mean occasionally; not on an emotional tampon level.